High-Resolution 3T MR Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Abstract

This study is intended as a review of 3Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The recent advances in MR imaging, which includes high field strength magnets, multi-channel coils, and isotropic 3-dimensional (3D) sequences have enabled the visualization of precise TFCC anatomy with high spatial and contrast resolution. In addition to the routine wrist protocol, there are specific techniques used to optimize 3T imaging of the wrist; including driven equilibrium sequence (DRIVE), parallel imaging, and 3D imaging. The coil choice for 3T imaging of the wrist depends on a number of variables, and the proper coil design selection is critical for high-resolution wrist imaging with high signal and contrast-to-noise ratio. The TFCC is a complex structure and is composed of the articular disc (disc proper), the triangular ligament, the dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments, the meniscus homologue, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon sheath, and the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments. The Palmer classification categorizes TFCC lesions as traumatic (type 1) or degenerative (type 2). In this review article, we present clinical high-resolution MR images of normal TFCC anatomy and TFCC injuries with this classification system.

High-resolution 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Chinese Wrists

“…However, some literatures stated that the ulnocarpal ligaments also included the ulnocapitate ligament, and these ligaments were often titled as the ulnocarpal ligamentous complex. [1031] In our study, we also can find the ulnocapitate ligament on both anatomic sections and MR images in some Chinese volunteers, which was inconsistent with what Theumann et al . [32] had found in their research where the ulnocapitate ligament was not seen on MR images.…”

“…However, we failed to find the ulnocapitate ligament on MR images in ten wrists of volunteers involved in our study, and the discrepancy might be due to these structures were often confluent and indistinguishable from each other, as the literature stated. [10]…”

“…It helps to maintain the stability of the ulnocarpal joint and allows the stable motion of the wrist and the rotation of the forearm. [345678910]…”

Can the Diagnostics of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesions Be Improved by MRI-Based Soft-Tissue Reconstruction? An Imaging-Based Workup and Case Presentation

“…Image-based diagnosis of the TFCC is made difficult by the complexity of the TFCC [ 5 ] and the variety of potential lesions [ 7 , 9 , 12 , 14 , 24 ]. There is sound evidence for the TFCC to be both a structure of load transfer between the forearm and hand [ 1 , 4 , 10 , 24 – 26 ] and likewise an organ of mechanoreception and proprioception [ 27 ].…”

“…The proximal wrist plays an important role in activities of daily life, allowing for a wide range of motion of the hand and simultaneously providing stability [ 1 – 4 ]. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)[ 5 ], composed of cartilage and ligaments situated between the distal radius and ulna, the triquetrum, and lunate, plays an integral part in load transfer between the forearm and hand at the various positions of the hand [ 3 ]. TFCC lesions are likely caused by trauma or overstrain.…”