Anatomical Variants of Lister's Tubercle: A New Morphological Classification Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

ObjectiveLister's tubercle is used as a standard anatomical landmark in hand surgery and arthroscopy procedures. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and propose a classification for anatomical variants of Lister's tubercle.Materials and MethodsBetween September 2011 and July 2014, 360 MRI examinations for wrists performed using 1.5T scanners in a single institution were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of anatomical variants of Lister's tubercle based on the heights and morphology of its radial and ulnar peaks was assessed. These were classified into three distinct types: radial peak larger than ulnar peak (Type 1), similar radial and ulnar peaks (Type 2) and ulnar peak larger than radial peak (Type 3). Each type was further divided into 2 subtypes (A and B) based on the morphology of the peaks.ResultsThe proportions of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 variants in the study population were 69.2, 21.4, and 9.5%, respectively. For the subtypes, the Type 1A variant was the most common (41.4%) and conformed to the classical appearance of Lister's tubercle; whereas, Type 3A and 3B variants were rare configurations (6.4% and 3.1%, respectively) wherein the extensor pollicis longus tendon coursed along the radial aspect of Lister's tubercle.ConclusionAnatomical variations of Lister's tubercle have potential clinical implications for certain pathological conditions and pre-procedural planning. The proposed classification system facilitates a better understanding of these anatomical variations and easier identification of at-risk and rare variants.

Age of Data in Contemporary Research Articles Published in Representative General Radiology Journals

“…In total, 50 KJR (9101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354565758), 492 ER, and 254 Radiology articles reported original research studies analyzing patient data. Of these, 44 (88%; 95% CI: 75.8–94.8%) (910121314151617181920212324262728293031323435363738394041424344474849505152535455565758), 359 (73%; 95% CI: 68.9–76.7%), and 211 (83.1%; 95% CI: 78–87.2%) articles, respectively, revealed the start and end of data collection to the level of calendar month.…”

“…Of these, 44 (88%; 95% CI: 75.8–94.8%) (910121314151617181920212324262728293031323435363738394041424344474849505152535455565758), 359 (73%; 95% CI: 68.9–76.7%), and 211 (83.1%; 95% CI: 78–87.2%) articles, respectively, revealed the start and end of data collection to the level of calendar month. The point estimate value of this proportion was slightly larger in KJR than in ER and Radiology, although the difference was not statistically significant.…”

Ultrasound assessment of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture following distal radius fracture: a sonographic and surgical correlation

“…They suggest the 'Type 2 variant' predisposes the EPL to inherent microinstability and may result in increased risk of tendon rupture. Variant anatomy can also have surgical implications for pre-procedural planning of volar plate fixation, highlighting the importance of making a qualitative assessment of the morphology of Lister's tubercle (19) .…”

Radioanatomical examination of the dorsal tubercle and surrounding regions for intraosseous infusions

“…The DT and its shape can easily be detected by palpation. Chan et al [16] divided DT into 3 main types according to its shape and emphasized its relationship with EPL previously. We suggest that DT can be classified according to the characteristics of its tip as sharp, hump and blunt.…”