Magnetic resonance imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions: a comprehensive clinicoradiologic approach and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
This article illustrates the frequent lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) by means of magnetic resonance imaging.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of the magnetic resonance images of 109 patients from our database. All subjects had history of trauma, and all underwent both radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examination of the wrist. The changes (degeneration, tears) of the TFCC were assessed.


RESULTS
Ten patients were excluded because of incomplete imaging protocol (4 patients) and low-quality images (6 patients). From the 99 wrists remaining, the TFCC was normal in 30 (30.3%). Degenerative changes were found in 40 (40.4%) wrists. Partial and complete tears were present in 17 (17.1%) and 12 (12.1%) wrists, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The TFCC lesions in acute traumatic wrists should not be overlooked; they may contribute to wrist pain and disability after treatment of existing bone injuries.
Albastaki
Usama
U
Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden. usamauae@gmail.com
Sophocleous
Dimitris
D
Göthlin
Jan
J
Pierre-Jerome
Claude
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D051478:Triangular Fibrocartilage / Q000293:injuries*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*