Depiction of the triangular fibro-cartilage in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain: comparison of direct multi-slice CT arthrography and direct MR arthrography

Eur Radiol. 2009 Jan;19(1):147-51. doi: 10.1007/s00330-008-1118-3. Epub 2008 Jul 30.

Abstract

To compare direct multi-slice CT arthrography (MSCT-AG) and direct MR arthrography (MR-AG) of the wrist with regard to the depiction of the triangular fibro-cartilage (TFC). Fifteen consecutive patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain suspicious for TFC tear underwent both MSCT-AG and MR-AG of the wrist. Images obtained were evaluated by two radiologists in a blinded fashion for the depiction of six anatomical areas (radial, central and ulnar portion on the proximal and distal side) of the TFC by means of a five-point scoring system (1 = excellent visibility to 5 = not visible). Scores for MSCT-AG and MR-AG were compared using the Student's t-test. Mean scores for MSCT-AG and MR-AG, respectively, were 2.5/2.0, 3.2/2.5 and 2.8/2.4 for the radial, central and ulnar portion of the TFC on its proximal side, and 2.7/2.0, 3.1/2.3 and 2.9/2.4 for the radial, central and ulnar portion on its distal side (n = 15). Paired Student's t-test showed no significant difference between MSCT-AG and MR-AG (P > 0.05). In a first, small series, depiction of the TFC with MSCT-AG is comparable to that of MR-AG. Further evaluation of direct multi-slice CT arthrography of the wrist in a larger patient population would be promising.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Arthralgia / diagnosis*
  • Arthralgia / etiology
  • Arthrography / methods*
  • Cartilage Diseases / complications
  • Cartilage Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Ulna / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulna / pathology
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wrist Joint / pathology*