High-field MR surface-coil imaging of the hand and wrist. Part I. Normal anatomy.

Abstract

High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of the hands and wrists of six healthy volunteers were obtained at 1.5 T with a surface coil. Additionally, the hands and wrists of two fresh cadavers were imaged and were subsequently sectioned for anatomic correlation. High contrast when depicting soft-tissue, coupled with impressive spatial resolution and multiplanar capabilities, enabled delineation of fine structures including nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. Osseous and cartilaginous structures were also well depicted. MR imaging gives anatomic definition of the hand and wrist unmatched by other diagnostic imaging methods.

Median and Ulnar Nerve Injuries: Prognosis and Predictors for Clinical Outcome

“…In 1987, the MRI was introduced to visualize the median nerve in the hand and wrist. 120 Although the quality of the images was not high, they could accurately depict anatomy and pathology of the carpal tunnel. 121 Most of the MRI studies focused on the carpal tunnel syndrome.…”

MRI-Apparent Localized Deformation of the Median Nerve Within the Carpal Tunnel During Functional Hand Loading

“…10,11,14 Four characteristics associated with CTS have been identified in these types of structure/shape studies: enlargement of the median nerve, flattening of the median nerve, bowing of the transverse carpal ligament, and increased signal intensity of the median nerve on T2-weighted images. 5,11,12,23,24 Unfortunately, despite being frequently identified in patients with CTS, these MRI-apparent anatomic abnormalities are relatively non-specific and insensitive for making the diagnosis. 17,21 …”

Flexor tendon tears in the hand: use of MR imaging to diagnose degree of injury in a cadaver model.

“…Although the appearance of nonmal flexor tendons in live subjects and cadavers is similar [17,18], injured tendons in the two groups would likely have different appearances.…”