MR Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Michael E Cody; David T Nakamura; Kirstin M Small; Hiroshi Yoshioka

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.001

MR Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2015 Aug;23(3):393-403. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.001.

Authors

Michael E Cody¹, David T Nakamura², Kirstin M Small¹, Hiroshi Yoshioka³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
² Department of Radiology, UC Davis Medical Center, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3100, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
³ Department of Radiological Sciences, UC Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Route 140, Orange, CA 92868, USA. Electronic address: hiroshi@uci.edu.

PMID: 26216770
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2015.04.001

Abstract

MR imaging has emerged as the mainstay in imaging internal derangement of the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system largely because of superior contrast resolution. The complex geometry and diminutive size of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and its constituent structures can make optimal imaging of the TFCC challenging; therefore, production of clinically useful images requires careful optimization of image acquisition parameters. This article provides a foundation for advanced TFCC imaging including factors to optimize magnetic resonance images, arthrography, detailed anatomy, and classification of injury. In addition, clinical presentations and treatments for TFCC injury are briefly considered.

Keywords: 3D MR imaging; Palmer classification; Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC); Wrist.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Image Enhancement / methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Triangular Fibrocartilage / injuries*
Wrist Injuries / diagnosis*
Wrist Joint / anatomy & histology*
Wrist Joint / pathology*