Assessment of 3.0 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Madelung's Deformity: Findings and Implications

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Madelung’s deformity. Materials and Methods The wrist MRI scans of 19 patients clinically diagnosed with Madelung’s deformity and 20 patients without deformity were consecutively selected from Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between April 2019 and December 2022 for observation, in the case group and control group, respectively. Results Madelung’s deformity significantly contributed to the tilt and thickening of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC). In the case group, the tilting angle and thickness of TFC were (51.48 ± 9.78)° and (0.23 ± 0.06) cm, respectively, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001); the radial attachment of the TFC significantly shifted to the proximal side (χ2 = 39.00, p < 0.001), with a mean displacement of (0.97 ± 0.38) cm. Furthermore, the case demonstrated abnormally developed Vickers ligament (χ2 = 35.19, p < 0.001) and radiotriquetral ligament (χ2 = 25.66, p < 0.001). Conclusion MRI provides a notable advantage in diagnosing Madelung’s deformity. Compared with the control group, patients with Madelung's deformity exhibited thickening and tilting of the TFC. Additionally, the radial attachment of the fibrocartilage was significantly shifted to the proximal side with abnormal development of Vickers and radiotriquetral ligaments.