MR evaluation of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in the wrist: comparison with arthrography and arthroscopy

To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) in the detection of tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), 10 consecutive patients with posttraumatic chronic wrist pain were examined with MR, arthrography, and arthroscopy and the results were compared. The MR images of 16 control subjects were also examined to define the MR appearance of the normal TFCC. When compared with arthroscopic findings, both MR and arthrography had two false-negative results (sensitivity, 80%) and no false-positive results. Regarding the sites of the TFCC tears, the findings on MR did not always correlate with the findings on arthrography. In no case was MR able to visualize the cartilaginous lesions visible by arthroscopy. These preliminary results illustrate the ability of MR to assess the integrity of the TFCC and suggest its use as the first imaging technique following plain radiography in the evaluation of patients with chronic posttraumatic pain on the ulnar side of the wrist.