Terry-Thomas sign: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Terry-Thomas sign | |||
| image = [[File:ScaphoLuncateDisoMark.png|thumb|Terry-Thomas sign on X-ray]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing the Terry-Thomas sign, indicating [[scapholunate dissociation]] | |||
| synonyms = David Letterman sign | |||
| specialty = [[Orthopedic surgery]], [[Radiology]] | |||
| symptoms = Pain in the wrist, instability, decreased grip strength | |||
| complications = [[Osteoarthritis]], chronic wrist pain | |||
| onset = Typically after trauma or injury | |||
| duration = Can be chronic if untreated | |||
| causes = [[Scapholunate ligament injury]] | |||
| risks = [[Wrist trauma]], [[repetitive strain injury]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Wrist sprain]], [[carpal instability]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical repair]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on severity and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in wrist injuries | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Radiographic sign of wrist instability}} | {{Short description|Radiographic sign of wrist instability}} | ||
The '''Terry-Thomas sign''' is a radiographic finding indicative of [[wrist]] instability, specifically involving the [[scapholunate ligament]]. It is named after the British comedian [[Terry-Thomas]], who was known for his distinctive gap between his front teeth, which the sign resembles. | The '''Terry-Thomas sign''' is a radiographic finding indicative of [[wrist]] instability, specifically involving the [[scapholunate ligament]]. It is named after the British comedian [[Terry-Thomas]], who was known for his distinctive gap between his front teeth, which the sign resembles. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The Terry-Thomas sign is associated with a disruption of the [[scapholunate ligament]], which is a critical stabilizer of the [[carpal bones]] in the wrist. This ligament connects the [[scaphoid]] and [[lunate]] bones, and its injury can lead to a gap between these bones, visible on an [[X-ray]]. | The Terry-Thomas sign is associated with a disruption of the [[scapholunate ligament]], which is a critical stabilizer of the [[carpal bones]] in the wrist. This ligament connects the [[scaphoid]] and [[lunate]] bones, and its injury can lead to a gap between these bones, visible on an [[X-ray]]. | ||
==Radiographic Appearance== | ==Radiographic Appearance== | ||
On a standard [[posteroanterior view]] of the wrist, the Terry-Thomas sign is identified by an increased gap between the scaphoid and lunate bones. Normally, this gap is less than 3 mm, but in the presence of a scapholunate ligament injury, the gap can widen to more than 3 mm, often measuring between 4 to 5 mm or more. | On a standard [[posteroanterior view]] of the wrist, the Terry-Thomas sign is identified by an increased gap between the scaphoid and lunate bones. Normally, this gap is less than 3 mm, but in the presence of a scapholunate ligament injury, the gap can widen to more than 3 mm, often measuring between 4 to 5 mm or more. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
The presence of the Terry-Thomas sign is indicative of [[scapholunate dissociation]], which can lead to [[wrist instability]] and [[arthritis]] if left untreated. Patients may present with wrist pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications. | The presence of the Terry-Thomas sign is indicative of [[scapholunate dissociation]], which can lead to [[wrist instability]] and [[arthritis]] if left untreated. Patients may present with wrist pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Treatment of scapholunate dissociation may involve conservative measures such as [[splinting]] and [[physical therapy]], or surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the scapholunate ligament. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's symptoms. | Treatment of scapholunate dissociation may involve conservative measures such as [[splinting]] and [[physical therapy]], or surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the scapholunate ligament. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's symptoms. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Scapholunate ligament injury]] | * [[Scapholunate ligament injury]] | ||
* [[Wrist joint]] | * [[Wrist joint]] | ||
* [[Carpal bones]] | * [[Carpal bones]] | ||
* [[Arthritis]] | * [[Arthritis]] | ||
[[Category:Radiologic signs]] | [[Category:Radiologic signs]] | ||
[[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]] | [[Category:Musculoskeletal disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:48, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
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| Terry-Thomas sign | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | David Letterman sign |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery, Radiology |
| Symptoms | Pain in the wrist, instability, decreased grip strength |
| Complications | Osteoarthritis, chronic wrist pain |
| Onset | Typically after trauma or injury |
| Duration | Can be chronic if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Scapholunate ligament injury |
| Risks | Wrist trauma, repetitive strain injury |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Wrist sprain, carpal instability |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical repair, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on severity and treatment |
| Frequency | Common in wrist injuries |
| Deaths | N/A |
Radiographic sign of wrist instability
The Terry-Thomas sign is a radiographic finding indicative of wrist instability, specifically involving the scapholunate ligament. It is named after the British comedian Terry-Thomas, who was known for his distinctive gap between his front teeth, which the sign resembles.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The Terry-Thomas sign is associated with a disruption of the scapholunate ligament, which is a critical stabilizer of the carpal bones in the wrist. This ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate bones, and its injury can lead to a gap between these bones, visible on an X-ray.
Radiographic Appearance[edit]
On a standard posteroanterior view of the wrist, the Terry-Thomas sign is identified by an increased gap between the scaphoid and lunate bones. Normally, this gap is less than 3 mm, but in the presence of a scapholunate ligament injury, the gap can widen to more than 3 mm, often measuring between 4 to 5 mm or more.
Clinical Significance[edit]
The presence of the Terry-Thomas sign is indicative of scapholunate dissociation, which can lead to wrist instability and arthritis if left untreated. Patients may present with wrist pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Management[edit]
Treatment of scapholunate dissociation may involve conservative measures such as splinting and physical therapy, or surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the scapholunate ligament. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's symptoms.
