Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of structural abnormalities and
instability affecting the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendons of asymptomatic
recreational tennis players by the use of high-resolution ultrasonography.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Academic sports medicine
center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six asymptomatic, recreational male and female
tennis players. METHODS: A single, experienced operator completed bilateral
static and dynamic ultrasound examinations of the ECU tendons of 26 asymptomatic,
long-term, recreational tennis players ages 26-61 years (11 male, 15 female,
average 24.4 +/- 14.2 years of tennis participation). Tendons were evaluated for
tendinosis and tearing, tendon sheath effusion and tenosynovitis, and instability
via a standardized scanning protocol and predetermined diagnostic criteria. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of static structural ECU tendon
abnormalities (eg, tendinosis, tenosynovitis, tears) and dynamic ECU instability
(eg, subluxation, dislocation). RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 52 wrists (75%)
demonstrated static ECU tendon abnormalities, the most common finding being a
partial-thickness tear located just distal to the ulnar groove. Overall, 92%
(24/26) of players exhibited tendinosis or tearing in at least one wrist. Dynamic
ECU instability was detected in 42% of wrists (22/52) and 91% (20/22) of the time
manifested as subluxation. Only 2 ECU tendon dislocations were observed, both
occurring in the same individual. Overall, 73% (19/26) of players exhibited ECU
instability in at least one wrist. There was no relationship between static and
dynamic ECU tendon abnormalities within the methodological limits of the
investigation. Complete ECU tearing, tendon sheath effusion, tenosynovitis, and
static dislocation were not seen in any wrist. CONCLUSION: Sonographic evidence
of ECU tendinosis, partial-thickness tearing, full-thickness tearing, and
subluxation can be seen in long-term, asymptomatic, recreational tennis players,
whereas tendon sheath effusions, tenosynovitis, and tendon dislocation are
uncommon. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical significance of
asymptomatic ECU tendon abnormalities among long-term tennis players at multiple
skill levels.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS