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J Wrist Surg 2018; 07(05): 382-388
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1661419
Scientific Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Accuracy of Pre- and Postcontrast, 3 T Indirect MR Arthrography Compared with Wrist Arthroscopy in the Diagnosis of Wrist Ligament Injuries

N. O. B. Thomsen
1   Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö –Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
,
J. Besjakov
2   Department of Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
,
A. Björkman
1   Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö –Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
› Author Affiliations Funding Financial support has been received from the Regional Research Fund of Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden.
Further Information

Publication History

07 November 2017

21 May 2018

Publication Date:
26 June 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Background Magnetic resonance (MR) is the most important imaging technique to assess intra-articular pathology of the wrist. Among various MR imaging protocols, the diagnostic performance of indirect MR arthrography needs further investigation.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of pre- and postcontrast, 3 T indirect MR arthrography in the diagnosis of scapholunate intrinsic ligament (SLIL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, using wrist arthroscopy as reference standard.

Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with suspected SLIL or TFCC injury, who had indirect MR arthrography done before arthroscopy. Images were assessed independently by two senior radiologists.

Results Arthroscopy of the 53 wrists demonstrated 16 Geissler stages II and III partial tears and 6 stage IV total SLIL ruptures. Central perforation of the TFCC was found in 24 wrists, and 12 wrists had an ulnar class 1B lesion. To detect any SLIL tear, accuracy was higher for the two observers using postcontrast indirect MR arthrography (0.77 and 0.72) than for precontrast MR imaging (0.60 and 0.60). No difference was found for total SLIL ruptures “0.85 and 0.89” versus “0.85 and 0.89.” To diagnose class 1B TFCC injuries, accuracy was higher using postcontrast indirect MR arthrography (0.85 and 0.75) than for precontrast MR imaging (0.70 and 0.72). No difference in accuracy was demonstrated for TFCC central tears “0.75 and 0.75” versus “0.70 and 0.77.”

Conclusion Postcontrast images at 3 T indirect MR arthrography, compared with precontrast images, have an improved diagnostic performance for the overall detection of SLIL injuries and as well as class 1B TFCC tears.

Level of Evidence This is a Level II, diagnostic study.

Keywords

arthroscopy - diagnostic performance - indirect MR arthrography - MR imaging - scapholunate ligament - triangular fibrocartilage complex - wrist
 

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