Comparative Accuracy of 1.5T MRI, 3T MRI, and Static Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Small Gaps in Repaired Flexor Tendons: A Cadaveric Study

Kevin J. Renfree, Nirvikar Dahiya, Mark J. Kransdorf, Nan Zhang, Karan A. Patel, Patricia A. Drace

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would more accurately diagnose small gaps (<6 mm) after flexor tendon repair than static ultrasound (US) and that suture artifact would negatively impair accuracy. Methods: A laceration of the flexor digitorum profundus was created in 160 fresh-frozen cadaveric digits and randomized to either an intact repair (0-mm gap) or repairs using a locked 4-strand suture repair with either 4-0 Prolene, Ethibond, or and gaps of 2, 4,or 6 mm; or no suture in which 2-, 4-, or 6-mm gaps were created without a suture crossing the repair site. We performed 1.5T and 3T MRI and static US studies; gap widths were estimated by radiologists blinded to suture presence and true gap widths. Results: The 1.5 and 3.0T MRI had a lower mean error than US for gap sizes 0 and 2 mm. All 3 modalities performed similarly for 4- and 6-mm gaps. Documentation of imaging artifact worsened error, and odds of seeing artifacts were 1.72 higher with MRI than with US. Suture did not worsen artifact nor impair accuracy for any of the 3 modalities. When no suture was used, all 3 modalities significantly overestimated the true gap. Conclusions: MRI is most accurate for small gaps less than 4 mm. Although all modalities overestimated gap sizes in specimens with a 0-mm gap (intact tendon repair), mean overestimation (<2 mm) was not clinically relevant. Ultrasound overestimated 2-mm gaps (clinically intact repairs), whereas MRIs did not. We recommend MRI for evaluation of gaps after flexor tendon repair. The 1.5T has slightly better sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing clinically intact (gap < 3 mm) from clinically impaired (gap > 3 mm) repairs than the 3T. Clinical relevance: Accurate diagnosis of intact repairs or small gaps (<3 mm) might prevent unnecessary exploration or allow modification of rehabilitation protocols. Diagnosis of clinically relevant gaps (3–6 mm) may allow for earlier revision surgery before significant tendon retraction and adhesions develop, possibly necessitating a staged reconstruction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)287-294
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Hand Surgery
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • Flexor tendon
  • gap
  • magnetic resonance imaging
  • ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparative Accuracy of 1.5T MRI, 3T MRI, and Static Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Small Gaps in Repaired Flexor Tendons: A Cadaveric Study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this