Use of a Jig to Control Forearm Rotation and Wrist Position for MR and CT Imaging of Patients with Distal Radioulnar Joint and Wrist Dysfunction

Malone PSC1,2, Bhatti WA3 and Lees VC2*

1Blond Mclndoe Laboratories, University of Manchester, UK
2Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital South Manchester, UK
3Department of Radiology, University Hospital South Manchester, UK

^*Correspondance to: Lees VC 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3345

Abstract

Aim: To design and assess efficacy of a jig to enhance MR and CT imaging of the distal forearm. Materials and Methods: A forearm-support jig was developed for clinical use in imaging the forearm, DRUJ, TFCC and wrist joint. The jig was constructed in MRI- safe materials and incorporated a goniometer allowing control of forearm rotation and a support for wrist position. The jig was used as an adjunct to a clinical research project on the DRUJ both in patients and volunteers. For the purpose of assessment of the utility of the jig record was made of patient comfort and acceptability, end-image quality output, reproducibility of scans repeated intra- and inter-subject, and ease of use by the radiographers. Results: Twenty-three volunteers found the jig to be comfortable during the scanning procedure. Nine patients who had also undertaken standard MRI scans without the jig unanimously reported improved comfort and satisfaction levels with the jig. Radiographers found the device easy to use obviating the need to repeat scans due to patient movement or incorrect wrist positioning. Images obtained readily permitted intra- and inter-patient comparison. Image quality was improved with less subject tremor. Conclusion: A jig has been developed that allows standardization of position of forearm rotation. This has proved a useful adjunct for MR and CT imaging of the forearm and DRUJ where the position of forearm rotation needs to be controlled for the purpose of the study or investigation.

Keywords

Forearm jig; MRI; CT; Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) imaging; Triangular Fibro Cartilaginous Complex (TFCC) imaging; Ulnar neuropathy; SUN syndrome

Cite the article

Malone PSC, Bhatti WA, Lees VC. Use of a Jig to Control Forearm Rotation and Wrist Position for MR and CT Imaging of Patients with Distal Radioulnar Joint and Wrist Dysfunction. Clin Surg. 2021; 6: 3345..