Gamekeeper thumb: Comparison of MR arthrography with conventional arthrography and MR imaging in cadavers

PURPOSE: To compare, magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography with conventional arthrography and standard MR imaging in the evaluation of gamekeeper thumb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen cadaveric thumbs with (n = 12) or without (n = 6) experimental abduction stress were examined with conventional arthrography, standard MR imaging, and MR arthrography. Standard MR imaging and MR arthrography, were performed with 0.2-T (low-field strength) extremity only and 1.5-T (high-field strength) magnets. Results of blinded imaging analyses were correlated with pathologic findings. Paired MR images and MR arthrograms were rated with a three point scale. RESULTS: Fourteen ulnar collateral ligaments were tom, including eight nondisplaced (57%) and six displaced (43%) tears. For the presence of fear, diagnostic accuracy of conventional arthrography, low-field-strength MR imaging, high- field-strength MR imaging, low-field-strength MR arthrography, and high- field-strength MR arthrography was 83%, 89%, 90%, 94%, and 100% respectively. With regard to displacement of the form ligament, diagnostic accuracy was 61%, 89%, 90%, 94%, and 100% res. MR arthrograms were rated superior to standard MR images in 72% and 90% of specimens with low-field-strength and high-field strength magnets, respectively. CONCLUSION: Of the tested methods, MR arthrography proved to be the most sensitive to the diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint and of displacement of the torn ligament.