There are more diffuse giant cell tumours of the tendon sheath than we had expected, and we recommend excising them microscopically. We have treated 18 patients since 1988. They had two types of tumour: 10 nodular, and eight diffuse. We used a microscope to excise diffuse tumours. In the only case in which we did not use a microscope for a diffuse tumour, the tumour recurred. It spread to an adjacent joint in six diffuse tumours, but no nodular tumours. The detection of diffuse lesions was difficult without a microscope.

No abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the material properties of the normal carpal tunnel subsynovial connective tissue in response to shear stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the gliding characteristics of flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel with varied wrist positions and tendon motion styles, which may help us to understand the relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and repetitive hand motion. Eight fresh human cadaveric wrists and hands were used. The peak (PGR) and mean (MGR) gliding resistance of the middle finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon were measured with the wrist in 0, 30, and 608 of flexion and extension. While moving all three fingers together, the PGR at 608 flexion was significantly higher than that at 0, 30, or 608 extension. While moving the middle finger alone, the PGR at 60 and 308 flexion was significantly higher than the PGR at 608 extension. The PGR moving the middle finger FDS alone was significantly greater than that for all three digits moving together in 0, 30, and 608 flexion. Differential finger motion with wrist flexion elevated the tendon gliding resistance in the carpal tunnel, which may be relevant in considering the possible role of wrist position and activity in the etiology of CTS. ß

Color Doppler imaging can identify and track SSCT motion separately from that of its associated tendons. Analysis of SSCT motion characteristics by color Doppler imaging may be useful for studying its function clinically.