Combined flexor carpi radialis tear and flexor carpi radialis brevis tendinopathy identified by ultrasound: a case report

Abstract

A 63-year-old right-handed office worker presented with acute right wrist pain after lifting a heavy file at work. Results of a clinical examination suggested flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy. Diagnostic ultrasound (US) not only detected a complete flexor carpi radialis tear but also revealed the presence of a concomitant flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) tendon with associated tenosynovitis. The ability of US to correctly identify the FCRB has not been previously reported. Furthermore, the US appearance of FCRB tendinopathy and tenosynovitis has not been described. High-resolution US can identify the FCRB muscle-tendon in the wrist region. Sonologists and sonographers should be aware of the US appearance of the FCRB as well as the potential for the FCRB to contribute to radial wrist pain syndromes.