Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Metacarpal Phalangeal and Proximal Phalangeal Extensor Tendons

Injuries to the hand and fingers are among the most common injuries in orthopedics and general practice, as they are the part of the human body that interacts most frequently with our environment. Diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is very useful for obtaining information about small structures like the finger extensor tendons. MSK ultrasound is adept at detecting changes in both tendon tissue composition and integrity. This manuscript will review the utility of MSK ultrasound in evaluating finger extensor tendons and include a review of its anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for professional rehabilitation. By integrating MSK ultrasound into clinical practice, providers can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, enhance diagnostic confidence, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies to optimal patient outcomes.