Sagittal bands
Fasciculi sagittales
Definition
The sagittal bands (ulnar and radial sagittal band) are a part of the extensor retinacular system, which forms a closed cylindrical tube around the metacarpal head and the metacarpophalangeal joints. The sagittal bands are the primary lateral stabilizer of the extensor digitorum tendon at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
On MR images, the sagittal bands extend from the radial and ulnar margins of the extensor tendon to the volar plate. On T1- and T2-weighted axial images, sagittal bands are seen as hypointense tissue extending circumferentially around the metacarpophalangeal joints, from the extensor tendon to the volar plate.
References
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Gupta P, Lenchik L, Wuertzer SD, Pacholke DA. High-resolution 3-T MRI of the fingers: review of anatomy and common tendon and ligament injuries. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2015 Mar;204(3):W314-23. doi: 10.2214/AJR.14.12776. PMID: 25714317.
Clavero JA, Alomar X, Monill JM, Esplugas M, Golanó P, Mendoza M, Salvador A. MR imaging of ligament and tendon injuries of the fingers. Radiographics. 2002 Mar-Apr;22(2):237-56. doi: 10.1148/radiographics.22.2.g02mr11237. PMID: 11896215.
