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Published in: Skeletal Radiology 11/2016

01-11-2016 | Case Report

Bowler’s thumb: ultrasound diagnosis of a neuroma of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb

Authors: Haq Wajid, Justin LeBlanc, David B. Shapiro, Patricia B. Delzell

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 11/2016

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Abstract

Bowler’s thumb is a rare traumatic neuropathy of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. We present a case of bowler’s thumb in a 21-year-old male recreational bowler who presented with a painful mass on the ulnar side of the right thumb. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the hand was inconclusive. However, subsequent ultrasound (US) showed asymmetric enlargement of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb with marked epineural thickening corresponding to the palpable mass, confirming the clinical diagnosis of bowler’s thumb. Although this condition is typically diagnosed clinically, imaging can help to clarify clinical findings. In our experience, MR imaging is a clinician’s preferred choice when further evaluating physical findings of digital nerve pathology despite the lack of evidence to support MR as a primary imaging modality for these patients. This case illustrates the role that US can play as an initial imaging modality for the evaluation of small peripheral nerves.
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Metadata
Title
Bowler’s thumb: ultrasound diagnosis of a neuroma of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb
Authors
Haq Wajid
Justin LeBlanc
David B. Shapiro
Patricia B. Delzell
Publication date
01-11-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 11/2016
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-016-2469-5

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