MR Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Ulnar Wrist Pain: A Practical Guide for Surgeons

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a challenging clinical scenario due to multiple overlapping pathologies and involved anatomic structures. Advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging can be used as an effective diagnostic adjunct if interpreted correctly. In this article, clinically relevant structures and radiographic correlates of the ulnar wrist are discussed and a corresponding systematic approach to reviewing magnetic resonance imaging is presented.

Outcome in TFCC repair using micro anchor and trans‑osseous technique

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an intrinsic stabiliser of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), which serves an important role in wrist movement, forearm rotation and grip strength. A stable DRUJ is a key requirement for pain-free movement of the wrist. TFCC tears are a common ulnar-sided wrist pain associated with decreased grip strength and impaired function. TFCC tears are classified according to the location and cause. The Palmer classification delineates tears into traumatic type 1 and degenerative type 2. The present study investigated the clinical outcomes of using micro suture anchors in open repair in comparison with trans-osseous TFCC repair. From July 2017 to July 2020, 51 patients underwent open repair of TFCC tear by hand and upper limb surgeons in Royal Rehabilitation Center at King Hussein Medical Center (Amman, Jordan). Stability of DRUJ and tenderness at the ulnar aspect of the wrist were evaluated by Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS) pre- and post-operatively. A total of 38 patients (27 male and 11 females) underwent open repair using micro suture anchors and 13 (7 male and 6 female) by trans-osseous repair. A total of 51 patients in the follow-up 6-48 months had significant improvement in pain and range of motion. A total of 45 patients showed improved grip strength and were pain-free; six patients showed improvement of grip strength and decreased pain. For the patients who underwent TFCC repair by micro suture anchors, there was an improvement of MMWS from 70 to 90%, and for those who underwent TFCC repair by trans-osseous technique, MMWS improved from 65 to 85%. There was also significant improvement in DASH score post-operatively with both techniques, from 60 to 15% in the trans-osseous technique and from 70 to 15% in the suture anchors. Open repair of TFCC tears using either micro anchor or trans-osseous repair led to pain-free range of motion, improved grip strength, stable DRUJ and improvement in DASH and MMWS scores, with no significant differences in clinical outcome between techniques.

A new arthroscopic repair technique for triangular fibrocartilage complex using an intracapsular suture: an outside-in transfer all-inside repair

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic repair is a promising, minimally invasive surgical technique for patients with Palmer type 1B peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. Although several arthroscopic techniques are effective for repairing Palmer type 1B TFCC tears, some shortcomings remain. So, we report an arthroscopic repair technique for the treatment of Palmer type 1B Atzei class 1 TFCC tears using an intracapsular suture: an outside-in transfer all-inside repair.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 38 Palmer type 1B TFCC injury patients admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. The group A was sutured from the outside to the inside, with a total of 21 cases; the group B was sutured with the new arthroscopic repair technique, with a total of 17 cases. Observe and compare the VAS scores and modified Mayo wrist function scores of all patients before 3, and 6 months after the operation and evaluate the incidence of thread knots in patients with different treatment methods. The methodology was performed an arthroscopic intracapsular suture using an outside-in transfer, all-inside repair technique, which is a modified method of the outside-in and all-inside technique using the needle of a 10-mL sterile syringe, for Palmer type 1B TFCC tears. A No. 2 polydioxanone suture was threaded through the needle and entered the wrist joint. Next, the needle was withdrawn carefully along the suture to the proximal tear ulnar surface of the TFCC and penetrated the TFCC, exiting the articular cavity surface of the ulnar side of the torn TFCC. Finally, arthroscopic knotting was performed.

RESULTS

This new treatment was as effective as the previously arthroscopic techniques and had the advantages of no additional incision and decreased risk of operation-related complications. The incidence of thread knots in the group A (28.57%) was significantly higher than that in the group B (0%), and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in VAS score and modified Mayo wrist function scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The outside-in transfer, the all-inside repair technique is suitable for Palmer type 1B Atzei class 1 TFCC tears. We recommend this technique as a useful alternative to the conventional methods of repairing Palmer type 1B TFCC tears.

Interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging of DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this agreement was to establish evidence-based consensus statements on imaging of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries by an expert group using the Delphi technique.

METHODS

Nineteen hand surgeons developed a preliminary list of questions on DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries. Radiologists created statements based on the literature and the authors' clinical experience. Questions and statements were revised during three iterative Delphi rounds. Delphi panelists consisted of twenty-seven musculoskeletal radiologists. The panelists scored their degree of agreement to each statement on an 11-item numeric scale. Scores of "0," "5," and "10" reflected complete disagreement, indeterminate agreement, and complete agreement, respectively. Group consensus was defined as a score of "8" or higher for 80% or more of the panelists.

RESULTS

Three of fourteen statements achieved group consensus in the first Delphi round and ten statements achieved group consensus in the second Delphi round. The third and final Delphi round was limited to the one question that did not achieve group consensus in the previous rounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Delphi-based agreements suggest that CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most useful and accurate imaging technique for the work-up of DRUJ instability. MRI is the most valuable technique in the diagnosis of TFCC lesions. The main indication for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are Palmer 1B foveal lesions of the TFCC.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

MRI is the method of choice for assessing TFCC lesions, with higher accuracy for central than peripheral abnormalities. The main indication for MR arthrography is the evaluation of TFCC foveal insertion lesions and peripheral non-Palmer injuries.

KEY POINTS

• Conventional radiography should be the initial imaging technique in the assessment of DRUJ instability. CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most accurate method for evaluating DRUJ instability. • MRI is the most useful technique in diagnosing soft-tissue injuries causing DRUJ instability, especially TFCC lesions. • The main indications for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are foveal lesions of the TFCC.

Abnormal MRI signal intensity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in asymptomatic wrists

We investigated abnormal MRI findings of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 154 asymptomatic volunteers (21-79 years). Except prevalence, we focused on the morphological features of abnormal signals in relation to age. The majority of full-thickness tears were located in the articular disc (63 participants). The incidence of disc perforation with characteristics of ulnar impaction syndrome increased significantly with age. Asymptomatic full-thickness tears of the ulnar attachment were found in ten participants (seven over 60 years old). The proximal and distal laminae of the ulnar attachment could not be differentiated in 36 participants. In conclusion, MRI is of limited value for the elderly in diagnosing triangular fibrocartilage disorders. For young subjects, MRI is still valuable, especially in diagnosing ulnar detachment, although the ability to distinguish between proximal and distal laminae remains questionable. Disc perforations in volunteers mimicked ulnar impaction syndrome, therefore age, clinical signs and other factors should also be considered in clinical diagnosis.Level of evidence: III.

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex In The Human Wrist: A Scoping Review Towards Uniform And Clinically Relevant Terminology

The aim of this scoping review was to assess the composition, terminology, and anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist and propose unambiguous terminology regarding the individual components. The review was conducted according to the methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005, 8, 19–32). Electronic databases were searched from inception until September 1, 2021 for original anatomical studies, using MeSH terms and keywords on terminology and anatomy of TFCC components. Studies using gross dissections or macro‐ or microscopic histology were included. Animal studies, fetal studies and studies with unknown disease status, were excluded. A total of 24 studies were included. The articular disc, the radioulnar ligaments, the meniscus homologue and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon (sub)sheath were unanimously classified as TFCC components. One study did not include the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments and only one study did include the ligamentum subcruentum. The largest disagreement existed regarding the inclusion of the ulnar collateral ligament. Terminological ambiguity was seen in “triangular fibrocartilage,” “triangular ligament,” “igamentum subcruentum,” and the “proximal and distal lamina.” Anatomical ambiguity existed especially regarding the radioulnar ligaments, the ulnar attachments of the TFCC and the ulnar collateral ligament. Definitions of the individual TFCC components are redundant, ambiguous, and ill‐defined and therefore subject to different interpretations. In order to preclude confusion, consensus regarding terminology is recommended. We proposed a concise definition of the healthy TFCC that can be used as a starting point for future studies and current clinical practice.

Osseous Pathology on Wrist Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Advanced imaging of the osseous structures of the wrist by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yields powerful information regarding marrow composition and overall bone structure. Various forms of pathology, both benign and malignant, have unique marrow signal abnormalities that can be easily detected by MRI given its high sensitivity to radiographically occult processes. In particular, osseous pathology can be seen in the setting of traumatic, degenerative, congenital, infectious, and neoplastic conditions. The acuity or chronicity of these conditions can often be determined by imaging to aid in appropriate therapy. A thorough understanding of the breadth of pathology and corresponding MRI appearances can allow the interpreting radiologist to formulate a concise and accurate assessment of an examination.

Traumatic injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)-a refinement to the Palmer classification by using high-resolution 3-T MRI

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the MR features of the traumatic injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) by using high-resolution 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to refine the Palmer classification system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2015 to May 2019, sixty-seven patients met the including and excluding criteria and were enrolled into this retrospective study. All subjects had high-resolution 3-T MRI scan of the wrist and eleven had indirect MR arthrography of the wrist. All the MRI were read by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI were calculated by using the arthroscopy and surgery as the standard of reference. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The interobserver agreement was assessed by kappa analysis.

RESULTS

There were 49 cases of TFCC injuries proven by the arthroscopy or surgery. The TFCC injuries in the other 18 patients were proved by the combination of clinical follow-up examination and follow-up MRI. Among the arthroscopy- or surgery-confirmed cases, there were 32 patients with original Palmer injuries (IA = 10, IB = 19, ID = 3), 5 with capsular detachment, 4 with bucket-handle tear of the TFCC that have rarely been reported, and 8 with complex injuries that involved the listed classifications above. The sensitivities and specificities of MRI for diagnosing IA, IB, ID, complex injuries, and bucket-handle tear were 67-100% and 90-100%, and overall good to perfect interobserver agreements (kappa, 0.64-1.00). The diagnostic performance for the capsular detachment was lower (kappa, 0.38).

CONCLUSION

With high-resolution 3-T MRI, more detailed injury patterns were found including capsular injuries, the horizontal tear of the articular disk, and the bucket-handle tear. It is necessary to refine the classic Palmer classification of TFCC injuries.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and hand

The anatomy of the wrist and hand is complex and contains numerous small structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often an ideal imaging modality in the assessment of various traumatic and pathologic conditions of this region, and it is frequently performed after initial radiographs. In this manuscript we describe the normal anatomy, imaging techniques, and MRI findings of various traumatic and pathologic conditions of the wrist and hand including occult fractures, osteonecrosis, ligamentous and tendon injuries, and entrapment neuropathies.

Comparison between conventional MRI and MR arthrography in the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage tears and correlation with arthroscopic findings

PURPOSE

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is one of the most important stabilizers of the wrist and a defect in its anatomical structure is a possible cause of ulnar sided wrist pain. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy between conventional MRI and MR arthrography (MRA) in the depiction of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

METHODS-MATERIALS

A total of 60 patients with clinical findings that suggested TFCC tears underwent wrist MRI and MRA. All the MRI and MRA results were compared with the arthroscopic findings.

RESULTS

40 tears were confirmed by arthroscopy. 38/40 tears were identified by MRA while MRI identified 26/40 tears. There were also 8 false positives and 13 false negative results identified by MRI. Two false negative results were identified by MRA. No false positive results were identified.

CONCLUSION

MR arthrography is more sensitive and specific method in terms of the diagnosis of TFCC tears compared to conventional wrist MRI. There was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between wrist arthroscopy and MRA.

The Acutely Injured Wrist

Wrist traumas are a frequent clinical emergency for which instrumental imaging assessment is required. The purpose of this article is to review the role of imaging assessment of traumatic wrist injuries, with particular reference to fractures and associated lesions.

Hand and Wrist Injuries in Tennis Players

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to review common hand and wrist injuries experienced by tennis players.

RECENT FINDINGS

A myriad of different wrist pathologies can be seen in tennis players ranging from metacarpal and carpal stress fractures to triangular fibrocartilage injuries and ulnar impaction. These vary depending upon the nature of the player, stroke mechanics, and time point within the season. A broad differential should guide work-up and management of wrist pain in tennis players.

Variation in Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Background  There is controversy regarding the value of repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Given that an acute tear of the TFCC associated with a displaced distal radius fracture uncommonly benefits from repair, the role of repair in other settings is uncertain. Our impression is that TFCC repair is highly variable from surgeon-to-surgeon. Purpose  The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of TFCC repair in patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the wrist obtained for ulnar-sided wrist pain, and that showed signal changes in the TFCC. We tested the primary null hypothesis that there are no demographic or surgeon factors associated with repair of the TFCC. Patients and Methods  Three hundred and ninety-four patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain and an MRI scan showing changes in the TFCC were included in this retrospective study. No patients had instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) recorded in the medical record. Surgical repair of TFCC tears was used as the primary outcome during statistical analysis to identify factors associated with repair. Results  Out of 394 (6%), 25 patients underwent TFCC repair. We found that 10% of the treating surgeons (4 out of 41) performed 80% of the procedures (20 out of 25). Patients who discerned a trauma prior to their symptoms and patients whose MRI showed signal changes primarily in the ulnar portion of the TFCC were more likely to have surgical repair. Conclusion We found that the rate of TFCC repair varies substantially from surgeon-to-surgeon. The observation that repair is more likely to happen when patients perceive themselves as injured suggests that perception of injury affects how patients and surgeons consider treatment options. To help avoid surgeries based on surgeon bias or patient misperception, we suggest studying the effect of tools that provide simple, balanced, dispassionate, and empowering information (e.g., decision aids) that can limit surgeon-to-surgeon variation. Level of Evidence  Level IV.

High-resolution 3-T MRI of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in the wrist: injury pattern and MR features

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if using high-resolution 3-T MRI can identify additional injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) beyond the Palmer classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-six patients with surgically proven TFCC injury were included in this study. All patients underwent high-resolution 3-T MRI of the injured wrist. The MR imaging features of TFCC were analyzed according to the Palmer classification.

RESULTS

According to the Palmer classification, 69 patients could be classified as having Palmer injuries (52 had traumatic tears and 17 had degenerative tears). There were 17 patients whose injuries could not be classified according to the Palmer classification: 13 had volar or dorsal capsular TFC detachment and 4 had a horizontal tear of the articular disk.

CONCLUSION

Using high-resolution 3-T MRI, we have not only found all the TFCC injuries described in the Palmer classification, additional injury types were found in this study, including horizontal tear of the TFC and capsular TFC detachment. We propose the modified Palmer classification and add the injury types that were not included in the original Palmer classification.

High-resolution 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Chinese Wrists: Correlation with Cross-sectional Anatomy

BACKGROUND

The injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. The aim of this study was to investigate if the high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could demonstrate the detailed complex anatomy of TFCC in Chinese.

METHODS

Fourteen Chinese cadaveric wrists (from four men and three women; age range at death from 30 to 60 years; mean age at 46 years) and forty healthy Chinese wrists (from 20 healthy volunteers, male/female: 10/10; age range from 21 to 53 years with a mean age of 32 years) in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from March 2014 to March 2016 were included in this study. All cadavers and volunteers had magnetic resonance (MR) examination of the wrist with coronal T1-weighted and proton density-weighted imaging with fat suppression in three planes, respectively. MR arthrography (MRAr) was performed on one of the cadaveric wrists. Subsequently, all 14 cadaveric wrists were sliced into 2 mm thick slab with band saw (six in coronal plane, four in sagittal plane, and four in axial plane). The MRI features of normal TFCC were analyzed in these specimens and forty healthy wrists.

RESULTS

Triangular fibrocartilage, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the meniscal homolog could be best observed on images in coronal plane. The palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments were best evaluated in transverse plane. The ulnotriquetral and ulnolunate ligaments were best visualized in sagittal plane. The latter two structures and the volar and dorsal capsules were better demonstrated on MRAr.

CONCLUSION

High-resolution 3T MRI is capable to show the detailed complex anatomy of the TFCC and can provide valuable information for the clinical diagnosis in Chinese.

Effect of traction on wrist joint space and cartilage visibility with and without MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of traction during non-arthrographic and arthrographic MR examination of the wrist with regard to joint space width, joint fluid dispersion and cartilage surface visibility.

METHODS

Prospective 3-T MRI study of 100 wrists in 96 patients. The first 50 wrists underwent MR arthrography first without traction and then with traction. The following 50 wrists underwent standard MR first without traction and then with traction. On these examinations, two radiologists independently measured (i) joint space width, semi-quantitatively graded (ii) joint fluid dispersion between opposing cartilage surfaces and (iii) articular cartilage surface visibility. The three parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Traction led to an increase in joint space width at nearly all joints in all patients (p < 0.05), although more so in the arthrography (∆ = 0.08-0.79 mm, all p < 0.05) than in the non-arthrography (∆ = 0.001-0.61 mm, all p < 0.05) group. Joint fluid dispersion and cartilage surface visibility improved after traction in nearly all joints (p < 0.05) in all patients and more so in the arthographic than in the non-arthrography group.

CONCLUSION

Traction did significantly improve cartilage surface visibility for standard MRI of the wrist although the effect was not as great as that seen with MR arthography or MR arthrography with traction. Advances in knowledge: This is the first study to show the beneficial effect of traction during standard non-arthrography MRI of the wrist and compare the effect of traction between non-arthrographic and arthrographic MRI of the wrist.

Preventable Repeat Wrist Arthroscopies: Analysis of the Indications for 133 Cases

Background Frequently, patients undergo repeated wrist arthroscopies for single wrist problems. Purpose The purposes of this study were to assess the indications for repeat wrist arthroscopies and to identify potentially preventable procedures. Methods For this retrospective, two-center study, the electronic patient records were examined for patients, who underwent repeat wrist arthroscopy in a 5-year period. The cases were sorted by the underlying pathologies and the causes that necessitated repeat arthroscopies. Results Ulnar-sided wrist pain accounted for 100 (77%) of all 133 revision arthroscopies: 67 of which due to suspected ulnar triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) avulsions, 33 due to ulnar impaction syndromes. Cartilage was reassessed in 22 (17%) wrists. Thereby, insufficient preoperative diagnostics necessitated pure diagnostic before therapeutic arthroscopy in 49 (37%) wrists: 48 of which for TFCC pathologies, one for a scapholunate (SL) ligament lesion. The uncertainty of diagnosis despite previous arthroscopy necessitated 18 (14%) revision arthroscopies: 15 for ulnar TFCC avulsions, 1 for a central TFCC lesion, 2 to reevaluate the SL ligament. Inadequate photo or video documentation of the cartilage necessitated arthroscopic reassessment in 16 (12%) wrists. Conclusion In this series, two out of three revision arthroscopies could potentially have been prevented. Inadequate preoperative diagnostics with the lack of reliable preoperative diagnoses necessitated pure diagnostic arthroscopies for ulnar-sided wrist pain. However, even arthroscopically, the diagnosis of ulnar TFCC avulsions or SL ligament lesions is not trivial. Surgical skills and experience are necessary to detect such lesions. Finally, adequate photo or video documentation may prevent repeated arthroscopic diagnostic procedures. Level of Evidence Level IV.

High-Resolution 3T MR Imaging of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

This study is intended as a review of 3Tesla (T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The recent advances in MR imaging, which includes high field strength magnets, multi-channel coils, and isotropic 3-dimensional (3D) sequences have enabled the visualization of precise TFCC anatomy with high spatial and contrast resolution. In addition to the routine wrist protocol, there are specific techniques used to optimize 3T imaging of the wrist; including driven equilibrium sequence (DRIVE), parallel imaging, and 3D imaging. The coil choice for 3T imaging of the wrist depends on a number of variables, and the proper coil design selection is critical for high-resolution wrist imaging with high signal and contrast-to-noise ratio. The TFCC is a complex structure and is composed of the articular disc (disc proper), the triangular ligament, the dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments, the meniscus homologue, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon sheath, and the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments. The Palmer classification categorizes TFCC lesions as traumatic (type 1) or degenerative (type 2). In this review article, we present clinical high-resolution MR images of normal TFCC anatomy and TFCC injuries with this classification system.