Roentgenographic anatomy of the tendon sheaths of the hand and wrist: tenography.

The radiographic anatomy of the tendon sheaths of the hand and wrist is described. Contrast evaluation, tenography, of these synovial-lined channels utilizing 10 cadaver limbs was accomplished outlining their relationship to adjacent osseous and articular structures. The technique is simple and provides the radiologist with further understanding of the pattern and distribution of roentgenologic alterations accompanying septic and granulomatous processes of the hand and wrist including "horeshoe abscesses" of the palm, osteomyelitis, pyarthrosis, and rheumatoid tenosynovitis. Tenography should be added to the radiologist's ever-increasing armamentarium.