SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT DESMITIS

The gross and functional anatomy of the suspensory ligament (SL) and i ts ultrasonographic variability are described. Injuries of the suspens ory apparatus are divided into lesions confined to the proximal one th ird of the metacarpus or metatarsus (proximal suspensory desmitis and avulsion fractures), lesions of the body, and branch lesions. Complete breakdown injuries are also discussed. In view of the close associati on of the SL, the second, third, and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal b ones, and the proximal sesamoid bones, associated bony lesions are als o considered.