Relationship of side dominance and ultrasonographic measurements of pronator quadratus muscle along with handgrip and pinch strength.

Abstract

Aims: We ascertained effects of hand dominance in both right and left-handed volunteers on the thickness and cross sectional area (CSA) of pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle as measured by the axial and sagittal views of ultrasound imaging. Secondly, we also aimed to document the extent of the relationship between the PQ measurements and handgrip. Materials and methods: Healthy adults from the volunteer medical staff were included in the study. Handedness was assessed via The Flinders Handedness survey. The sonographic appearance of the PQ was evaluated on sagittal and axial images for both hands. CSA of PQ muscle was digitally drawn and calculated on the axial plane. Handgrip was measured by using adjustable-handle dynamometer. Results: Eighty-nine healthy volunteers were included (54 right and 35 left-handed). Significant difference was detected between dominant and non-dominant hands in CSA and muscle thickness in both right and left-handed volunteers (p<0.05). These measurements were correlated with the handgrip strength (p<0.05, r=0.55, and r=0.43 for right-handed volunteers, r=0.67 and r=0.48 for left-handed volunteers, respectively). There were also significantly high correlations between the measurements of CSA and PQ thickness of the corresponding extremity in both right-handed and left-handed volunteers (p<0.05). Conclusions: A statistically significant difference exists between dominant and non-dominant hands in CSA and muscle thickness measured by US in both right and left handed volunteers, and this is correlated with handgrip strength. Hand dominance should be considered to compare healthy and affected sites during US of PQ while investigating for occult fractures of distal forearm or PQ atrophy due to anterior interosseous nerve injury.

The Pronator Quadratus Muscle After Volar Plating: Ultrasound Evaluation of Anatomical Changes Correlated to Patient-Reported Clinical Outcome

“…In addition, Nusret et al reported a high intraobserver reliability on ultra sound examination in healthy individuals. 19 We could not reproduce similar high reliability but we found an overall moderate to good intraobserver reliability. This lower reliability could be caused by more difficult visualization of the PQ muscle due to the scar tissue after surgery.…”

“…Previous studies have demonstrated a difference in cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the PQ muscle when comparing hand dominance. 17,19 However, we have not found studies that describe differences in the length of the PQ muscle when regarding hand dominance or left/right wrists. In our study, there was no significant difference in the lengths of the muscles in the uninjured wrist regardless of side or dominance.…”

“…22,23 The thickness of the PQ muscle could be bigger on the dominant side. 19 We have not found studies questioning the difference in length of the PQ muscle between dominant and nondominant hands, and there is no evidence to suggest the length of the PQ muscle differs between hand dominance.…”

Shear wave elastography in the pronator quadratus muscle following distal radial fracture fixation: A feasibility study comparing the operated versus nonoperated sides

“…[4][5][6][7] Ultrasonographic measurements of pronator quadratus muscle cross sectional area and muscle thickness have been shown to correlate with handgrip strength. 8 It would therefore be expected that the normalization of SWV values compared to the uninjured contralateral ''internal control'' wrist may allow an additional metric to evaluate and monitor the efficacy of physical therapy.…”

Evaluation of tendinosis of the long head of the biceps tendon by strain and shear wave elastography

“…In the patient and control groups, the dominant handwas included in the study of the LHBT. There are studies in the literature that show differences between dominant hand muscle strength and size [14][15][16]. Therefore, we preferred the LHBT on the side of the dominant hand.…”