Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joint Dorsal: Normal vs Inflammatory Synovitis

   

Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) Joint Dorsal: Normal vs Inflammatory Synovitis

  1. Synovial Fluid
  2. Joint Capsule
  3. Aponeurosis
  4. Extensor Tendon
  5. Extensor Hood
  6. Metacarpal Notch
  • Small swelling of the MCP joint is commonly seen with rheumatoid arthritis.
  1. Distal Metacarpal Head
  2. Metacarpal Notch
  3. Extensor Tendon
  4. Synovial Membrane
  5. Dorsal Recess
  6. Proximal Phalanx
  • This image shows a severe case of inflammation.
  • It’s early enough that we don’t see erosions in the base of the metacarpal notch.
  • The extensor tendon surface looks bowed and swollen.
  • The simple effusion (synovial fluid) is compressible.
  • This case of rheumatoid arthritis has not significantly eroded the bone yet.
  • It’s best to view this with color Doppler to see if there is active synovitis, which is definitely suspect in this case.