Reason: painful swelling ulnar side of wrist History: pain There is thickening and increased signal intensity of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon as it courses through the distal ulnar groove and along the ulnar aspect of the wrist. This appears to have progressed when compared to the prior study. There is increased signal intensity within the tendon which extends to the surface indicating partial thickness tearing, but the tendon can be followed to its insertion on the base of the fifth metacarpal. Although there is little, if any, fluid surrounding the tendon, there is enhancement indicating a tenosynovitis with peritendinous inflammation of the adjacent soft tissues. There is a small amount of fluid within the abductor pollicis longus tendon sheath and perhaps mild enhancement which may represent a mild De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The remaining tendons are within normal limits. While this study was not protocoled for detailed evaluation of the intrinsic ligaments of the wrist or the triangular fibrocartilage complex, there is mild increased signal intensity within the triangular fibrocartilage complex at its ulnar styloid attachment likely representing degeneration or a mild synovitis, but we see no fluid-filled tear. We see no findings to suggest a tear of the scapholunate or lunotriquetral ligaments. There is a cluster of small round foci of fluid signal intensity volar to the radial styloid perhaps representing ganglion formation at the attachment of the long radiolunate ligament. There is mild enhancement of the distal radial ulnar joint suggesting a mild synovitis. Mild osteoarthritis affects the basilar joint.
Severe extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy and other findings as described above.