Radial collateral ligament injury of metacarpophalangeal joint - index finger
Presentation
Right index finger MCP joint region blunt trauma about 3 months before the presentation. Complaining of persistant local pain.
Patient Data
The site of pain pointed by the patient was the location of the radial collateral ligament of the right index finger. The symptomatic side radial collateral ligament shows continuity, mild heterogeneous echopattern, sagging with extended MCP joint. There is also underlying cortical irregularity. With MCP flexion, a fluid gap opens up in the articular side proximal fibers of the collateral ligament. Superficial fibers show continuity with a normal echopattern.
For comparison, the asymptomatic left index finger collateral ligament was examined. It shows normal echopattern with MCP extension as well as flexion.
There was no tendon tear/ MCP joint effusion.
Case Discussion
A young male had right index finger blunt trauma while playing football. An initial radiograph was negative for a fracture (not available) and immobilization was not done. The patient ignored the persistent pain for three months and later consulted the doctor again who was referred for an ultrasound evaluation. The ultrasound shows partial thickness tear of proximal articular side fibers of the index finger radial collateral ligament. Stress ultrasound helps to see the actual fluid defect in the ligament.
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