The Prevalence of Scapholunate Signal Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Although trauma is a major cause of symptomatic scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) pathology, many patients do not recall a specific injury or repetitive trauma. We report on: (1) the prevalence of SLIL signal changes in patients who underwent wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for various indications; and (2) the prevalence of SLIL signal changes on MRI in patients without prior wrist trauma.

This is a retrospective study evaluating 1021 patients who underwent wrist MRI or magnetic resonance arthrogram. We collected data on SLIL signal changes on MRI. Patients were divided into 6 groups, based on age, to calculate the proportions of SLIL signal changes across different age groups.

There were a total of 317 (31%) patients with SLIL signal changes, of whom 264 (26% from 1021 and 83% from 317) had a documented low clinical suspicion of SLIL pathology. The prevalence was 15% among 18 to 30 years old and increased to 50% in those above 70 years old. Of the 317 patients with SLIL signal changes, 161 (51%) had no documented prior wrist trauma. The prevalence of SLIL signal changes in this group was 28% in 18 to 30 years old and increased to 80% in patients older than 70 years.

Magnetic resonance imaging signal changes demonstrating SLIL pathology in patients of a younger age may be more clinically meaningful as there is a lower prevalence of incidental SLIL pathology in these patients. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that SLIL changes on MRI in older patients are common and may not represent acute pathology.