Assessment of Ligaments and Fibrocartilage Complex of Wrist Joint in Trauma ? MRI Vs MR Arthrography

Injuries to the wrist may produce traumatic disruption of the triangular ulnar fibrocartilage (TFC), which is a well recognized cause of ulnar wrist pain. MRI is a useful tool in the imaging of the wrist, because of its superior soft tissue contrast and multiplanar capability. MR arthrography has emerged as an important technique in the assessment of TFCC injuries. We interpreted MR Images and the results of unenhanced MRI were compared with MRA. We also analysed the type of TFCC tear as per Palmer classification and appearances as described in the literature. Among the 37 clinically suspected TFCC tears 26 cases were confirmed to be tears by MRA. The sensitivity of MRI in diagnosing TFC tears to be only 57 % (15/26). Direct MR arthrography as a diagnostic tool is strongly recommended if lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage are suspected.