(iii) MR imaging of the wrist

Summary 

MR imaging is well established for the assessment of many areas of musculoskeletal disease however its accuracy for some wrist disorders is variable. The use and interpretation of MR imaging of the wrist must be performed with the knowledge of the technique's relative strengths and limitations.

MR imaging is an accurate and effective imaging tool for the diagnosis and grading of osseous and extracapsular soft tissue abnormalities of the wrist.

Evaluation of intrinsic ligament abnormality of the wrist is difficult given the small size of these structures as well as the wide normal variance and incidence of asymptomatic defects. At present MR arthrography offers a more accurate imaging evaluation of the main intrinsic ligament complexes and cartilage of the carpus.

Keywords: MR Imaging, MR Arthrography, Ultrasound, Wrist, Ligaments