Triangular fibrocartilage complex: normal appearance on coronal three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo MR images
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1Department of Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642-8648, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequences in demonstration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).
Materials And Methods:
Appearance of the TFCC in wrists of 11 cadavers, 17 patients, and six volunteers at three-dimensional GRE magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated and compared with that at dissection.
Results:
MR appearance of the TFCC was similar for all wrists. Volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments were identified. The TFCC had two types of attachments to the ulna: The more common consisted of two striated attachments, one to the tip and the other to the base of the styloid; the less common consisted of a broad-based striated attachment along the styloid. MR appearance of the ulnotriquetral and ulnolunate ligaments and meniscus homologue varied but correlated with observations at dissection.
Conclusion:
The three-dimensional GRE sequence consistently demonstrated most TFCC components. Dissection helped confirm MR-demonstrable variability in the ulnar aspect of the TFCC.