Diagnostic and Interventional Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound in Painful Wrist Conditions

AbdAl Aziz Al Aswad, Nouran; Radwan, Samah Ahmed; Esmail, Mohamed Ahmed; El-Saadany, Hanan Mohamed; Teama, Atef Hammad

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2023.280263

Diagnostic and Interventional Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound in Painful Wrist Conditions

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2023.280263

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound (US) is the best technique for imaging tendons as it allows dynamic tendon examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be utilized to enhance detection and evaluation of several wrist disorders. Magnetic Resonance arthrography (MRA) is the modality of choice for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) assessment. Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate diagnostic and interventional management of MRI and US in painful wrist conditions.
Patients and Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 50 patients aging from 12 to 66 years with wrist pain. All patients were subjected to MRI, MRA and US examination.
Results: US predicted bone fracture, ganglion cysts, late avascular necrosis, first, second, third, fourth and sixth (extensor carpi ulnaris) compartment tendon involvement, flexor tendon injury, median nerve involvement, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritic changes.
Conclusions: US showed promising results regarding the examination of superficial bony and soft tissue structures of the wrist. However, MRI is better for evaluation of internal wrist derangement. Ultrasound is also highly operator dependent. MRA is highly accurate for the evaluation of TFCC and ligamentous injury of the wrist joint.

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