MRI of the Wrist Ligaments

Abstract

Technological advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved radiologists’ ability to evaluate wrist ligaments. MRI interpretation often guides clinical management. This article aims to review the normal and pathologic appearance of intrinsic and extrinsic wrist ligaments with a focus on MRI. Variant anatomy, imaging pearls, and clinical significance are also discussed. Special attention is paid to key wrist ligaments that play a role in carpal stability.

Dry Arthroscopy of the Wrist With a Single-use, 1.9 mm Chip-on-tip System in Wide-awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet

“…We use this method as a diagnostic tool in patients with wrist pain, suspected ligament tears and for the planning of treatment. As is known previously, the gold standard for the diagnosis of ligament tears in the wrist is arthroscopy 5–7. The poor correlation between MRI and arthroscopic findings in our study confirm this finding.…”

“…As is known previously, the gold standard for the diagnosis of ligament tears in the wrist is arthroscopy. [5][6][7] The poor correlation between MRI and arthroscopic findings in our study confirm this finding. We see 2 main advantages in the use of the needle chip-on-tip system.…”

“…Despite recent advances in MRI, and MRI arthrography being slightly more accurate than conventional MRI in detecting TFCC lesions, the gold standard for the diagnosis of ligamentous disorders in the wrist is still arthroscopy. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The technique using dry arthroscopy of the wrist is well described, but mostly using regular arthroscopic equipment and often using general anesthesia. 13 An arthroscopy with regular equipment and general anesthesia has the advantage of being able to address a ligamentous injury during the same procedure if necessary.…”

“…Plain x-rays and advanced imaging including computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be adjuncts in the workup of these patients. Despite recent advances in MRI, and MRI arthrography being slightly more accurate than conventional MRI in detecting TFCC lesions, the gold standard for the diagnosis of ligamentous disorders in the wrist is still arthroscopy 5–12…”