RT Journal Article
T1 The central dorsal component of the dorsoradial ligament of the trapeziometacarpal joint: Cadaveric and sonographic validation
A1 Margüenda Fernández, Víctor
A1 Valera Garrido, Fermín
A1 Valderrama Canales, Francisco José
A1 Minaya Muñoz, Francisco
A1 Herrero, Pablo
A1 Lapuente Hernández, Diego
AB PurposeOsteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is very common, especially in females, and is closely associated with ligamentous laxity and joint subluxation. The dorsoradial ligament (DRL) remains largely unexplored in ultrasound studies despite its clinical relevance. This study aimed to identify the central fascicle of the DRL anatomically and ultrasonographically and to establish a standardized ultrasound examination protocol.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional validation study was conducted in two phases. First, anatomical dissections were performed on five cadaveric specimens to define anatomical landmarks and guide the development of an ultrasound protocol. In the second phase, bilateral ultrasound examinations were performed on the thumbs of 26 healthy participants (n = 52) to assess ligament morphology and establish normative measurements.ResultsThe DRL was successfully identified in all cases, and ultrasound imaging allowed for the reproducible visualization of its central fascicle. The mean joint distance was 0.36 ± 0.13 cm, and the mean ligament area was 0.20 ± 0.08 cm2. Significant differences were observed between the sexes, with males having statistically higher distances (p < 0.05) than females from the tubercle of the trapezium to the skin and from the tubercle of the trapezium to the upper edge of the first metacarpal. However, no significant correlations were found with age, and no significant asymmetries were found between both sides.ConclusionThe DRL can be reliably assessed by ultrasound and provides clinically relevant parameters to assess ligament morphology. The standardized protocol developed provides a valuable tool for detecting ligamentous insufficiency and capsuloligamentous changes. These findings contribute to understanding the anatomy and function of the DRL and provide a basis for future research into its role in joint stability and osteoarthritic progression.
PB Elsevier
SN 0720-048X
YR 2025
FD 2025-11-07
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126371
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126371
LA eng
NO Margüenda-Fernández V, Valera-Garrido F, Valderrama-Canales FJ, Minaya-Muñoz F, Herrero P, Lapuente-Hernández D. The central dorsal component of the dorsoradial ligament of the trapeziometacarpal joint: Cadaveric and sonographic validation. Eur J Radiol. 2025 Nov;192:112398. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112398. Epub 2025 Aug 29. PMID: 40911987.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 20 ene 2026