The value of traction during roentgenography of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints

Abstract

Traction on wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints during radiography produces ‘vacuum phenomenon’ due to the release of intra-articular gas. The resultant pneumoarthrogram clearly portrays the articular cartilage. Manual traction radiography of the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal joints has the following potential uses.

• 1. Detection of joint effusion; increased interosseous space during traction without release of intraarticular gas is indicative of joint disease with effusion.

• 2. Separation of the carpal bones; the traction separates the carpal bones and allows evaluation.

• 3. Differentiation of arthralgia from arthritis.

• 4. Evaluation of midcarpal, radiocarpal compartments, and the metacarpophalangeal joints can be performed before the secondary ossification centers are ossified.

• 5. Evaluation of the integrity of the joint cartilage.