Triangular fibrocartilage complex: normal appearance on coronal three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo MR images.

Abstract

To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequences in demonstration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). 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. 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. The three-dimensional GRE sequence consistently demonstrated most TFCC components. Dissection helped confirm MR-demonstrable variability in the ulnar aspect of the TFCC.