Comparison between conventional MRI and MR arthrography in the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage tears and correlation with arthroscopic findings.

Abstract

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is one of the most important stabilizers of the wrist and a defect in its anatomical structure is a possible cause of ulnar sided wrist pain. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy between conventional MRI and MR arthrography (MRA) in the depiction of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. A total of 60 patients with clinical findings that suggested TFCC tears underwent wrist MRI and MRA. All the MRI and MRA results were compared with the arthroscopic findings. 40 tears were confirmed by arthroscopy. 38/40 tears were identified by MRA while MRI identified 26/40 tears. There were also 8 false positives and 13 false negative results identified by MRI. Two false negative results were identified by MRA. No false positive results were identified. MR arthrography is more sensitive and specific method in terms of the diagnosis of TFCC tears compared to conventional wrist MRI. There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between wrist arthroscopy and MRA.