The Utility of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex of the Wrist*

We studied in vivo dynamic changes in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in ten healthy volunteers using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A custom made surface coil, which was specially designed to allow movements of the wrist in all directions, was used in this study. MR images in the axial and coronal planes were acquired at maximum pronation, in the neutral position and at maximum supination. During pronation and supination, little deformity of the disc proper was seen on axial sections. In contrast, the ulnar side of the TFCC around the ulnar styloid process showed obvious dynamic changes. The ulnar head translated palmarly to the radius in supination and dorsally in pronation, while there was little change in the position of the fovea of the ulna in relation to the radius. Considering the three-dimensional structure of the TFCC, these findings suggest that the disc proper is strong enough to support the ulnar carpus with little deformity during rotation and that the triangular ligament twists at its origin. During rotation there is friction between the proximal side of the disc proper and the ulnar head. On coronal sections, the disc proper became thinner in pronation due to increased ulnar variance.

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Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist for clinically important lesions of the major interosseous ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex; correlation with radiocarpal arthroscopy

Skeletal Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00256-020-03701-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nick Daunt ◽

Gregory B. Couzens ◽

Kenneth Cutbush ◽

Jennifer Green ◽

Mark Ross

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Complex Correlation ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage

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The performance of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury: a meta-analysis

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193414567425 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 477-484 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Z. X. Wang ◽

S. L. Chen ◽

Q. Q. Wang ◽

B. Liu ◽

J. Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Complex Injury ◽

Imaging Results ◽

Triangular Fibrocartilage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted before 1 April 2014. All studies comparing magnetic resonance imaging results with arthroscopy or open surgery findings were reviewed, and 25 studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included. Data were pooled to yield pooled sensitivity and specificity, which were respectively 0.83 and 0.82. In detection of central and peripheral tears, magnetic resonance imaging had respectively a pooled sensitivity of 0.90 and 0.88 and a pooled specificity of 0.97 and 0.97. Six high-quality studies using Ringler’s recommended magnetic resonance imaging parameters were selected for analysis to determine whether optimal imaging protocols yielded better results. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of these six studies were 0.92 and 0.82, respectively. The overall accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging was acceptable. For peripheral tears, the pooled data showed a relatively high accuracy. Magnetic resonance imaging with appropriate parameters are an ideal method for diagnosing different types of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III

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