Lesions of the Flexor Tendons at the Hand

Abstract

Flexor tendon pathologies of the hand are frequently encountered in musculoskeletal radiology and require a precise diagnosis and treatment due to the complexity of the anatomy. Typical conditions are acute traumatic injuries such as tendon and/or pulley rupture as well as open lacerations. In addition, there is a wide range of infectious diseases, chronic overuse conditions, as well as degenerative, neoplastic, and systemic/rheumatic tendon disorders. Accurate characterization of these lesions with ultrasound for basic diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging for further clarification is crucial for optimal therapy management and prognosis. Following a patient presentation, this article reviews the anatomy and diagnostic imaging features of the most common flexor tendon pathologies.