MRI and MR Arthrography Imaging of the Pathologies of the Wrist: A Pictorial Essay

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has a special advantage over radiographs and Computed Tomography (CT) in evaluating an anatomically complex structure like wrist, owing to its excellent soft-tissue resolution and multiplanar imaging functionality. MR arthrography further improves the diagnostic value of MRI by virtue of its meticulous depiction of even small tears involving the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC), intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments of the wrist. This article focuses on the MRI and MR arthrography illustration of various traumatic as well as non traumatic pathologies affecting the wrist region and is mainly intended to educate the residents by comprehensively reviewing the imaging features of the major afflictions of this complex joint in a systematic fashion using checklists.