3-Tesla imaging of the wrist and hand: techniques and applications

MR imaging of the wrist is complicated by its size and small critical ligamentous structures, such as the triangular fibrocartilage complex, intrinsic and extrinsic radiocarpal ligaments. 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with its nearly linear increase in signal-to-noise ratio allows for imaging the wrist with small fields of view and high spatial resolution, which in turn has potential to improve visualization of these small ligaments. Dedicated radiofrequency coils and appropriate imaging tools are required to optimize the potential of high field imaging of the wrist. Early results suggest improvement in diagnostic accuracy for the wrist when compared with 1.5 T in small studies; as larger series are acquired this will certainly become more evident. As experience with 3 T for the wrist and hand grows, it is becoming clear that it is the new standard for MR imaging of these small joints.