MRI
Which ligament injury is common extensor tendon injury frequently associated with?
Injury to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament.
Which tendons are commonly affected by a common extensor tendon injury?
The origins of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscles.
Findings
Radiocapitellar (lateral) compartment
-
extensive tear of the common extensor origin in the anterior part involving the following:
extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
extensor digitorum communis (EDC)/extensor digiti minimi (EDM)
extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU)
disruption of the radial collateral ligament and extensive tear of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL)
Ulnohumeral (medial) compartment
normal configuration
common flexor origin with mild tendinopathy
mildly high signal of the proximal ulnar collateral ligament
cubital tunnel inconspicuous
Proximal radioulnar joint
normal configuration
mild hyperintensity and fibre irregularity of the annular ligament
small joint effusion
Biceps tendon
-
normal insertion of anterior (caput brevis) and posterior (caput longum) portions of the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity
Impression
Extensive common extensor tendon tear with proximal disruption of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum as well as tear of the extensor carpi ulnaris.
Disruption of the radial collateral ligament, extensive tear of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament and strain of the annular ligament.
Exam courtesy: Jeanette Moses & Sven Winzler (radiographers)