This lecture offfers an engaging and practical exploration of ultrasound assessment of the elbow collateral ligaments. This lecture will give you the confidence to navigate the intricacies of imaging the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments, covering everything from anatomy to identifying common pathology.

We’ll also dive into clinical history, typical injury patterns, and their relevance to patient management, ensuring you leave with practical knowledge that translates directly to improved diagnostic skills.

Ulnar sided wrist pain is a common clinical problem which can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Ultrasound imaging can be used to identify structural change as a cause of pain. Knowledge of the associated relative anatomy and intertwining of structures which form the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and distal radio-ulnar joint, the sonographic technique and normal sonographic appearances of these structures is essential, but often underappreciated.

The TFCC is an intricate fibrocartilage-ligamentous complex which has three main functions: 1. Stabilises the DRUJ 2. Stabilises the ulno-carpal space and 3. Acts as a cushion and shock absorber and transmits load through the wrist during different wrist positions.

There are five main components of the TFCC: 1. Disc proper, 2. Meniscus homologue, 3. Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon sub-sheath, 4. Two palmar sided ulno-carpal ligaments: the ulno-lunate ligament (ULL) and the ulno-triquetral ligament (UTL) and 5. Two distal radio-ulnar ligaments: the dorsal distal radioulnar ligament (DDRUL) and the palmar distal radioulnar ligament (PDRUL). Each component of the TFCC can all be individually assessed with ultrasound.

A key function of the TFCC is to stabilise the DRUJ. It is vital to assess both the DRUJ and TFCC together in your wrist assessment, not in isolation.

A varied dorsal, ulnar and palmar approach, wrist flexion and rotation and dynamic scanning can all aid to increase visualisation of the TFCC/DRUJ structures. With advancement of high resolution ultrasound imaging, ultrasound can play an important role in diagnosis of pathologies and tears in this region.

Whether you are scanning elite athletes or the weekend warrior, this finger workshop covers the gamut of pathologies which you may encounter when scanning the acute finger. The workshop will cover anatomy, scan techniques and expected sonographic findings with validation through the presenter’s own case studies. Live scanning will reinforce the key concepts in real time and attendees are encouraged to participate through questions. This workshop offers something for all skill levels.

The human thumb is one of the more amazing anatomical designs that sets us apart from all other hominids. In particular the carpometacarpo joint(CMCJ) or trapeziometacarpal joint(TMCJ) is at the centre of this unique design where the thumb can be part of a firm grasp or a fine pinch.
The CMCJ is a concavo-convex saddle design. It has to function in a paradox of having great mobility but remaining stable. The joint is supported by a series of ligaments, in particular the anterior oblique ligament or volar beak ligament. This is the main stabilizer of the CMCJ.
Osteo arthritis of the joint with advancing age is the most common pathology and more common in females. Whilst treatment options were few in the past, modern hand surgery has opened up many options.
This presentation will review the anatomy, pathology and ultrasound technique to image the CMCJ so to give better patient outcomes. Ultrasound of the CMCJ should be part of all wrist ultrasound exams.