Diagnostic accuracy of single-compartment magnetic resonance arthrography in detecting common causes of chronic wrist pain

Etiology and Diagnostic Challenges of Ulnar Wrist Pain in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

PURPOSE

Diagnosing the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain can be difficult in the pediatric and adolescent age group. While frequently used, the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance image (MRI), as compared with intraoperative arthroscopic findings, is not well-described in this population. This study aimed to determine concordance rates between magnetic resonance and arthroscopic findings depending on the specific ulnar wrist pathology.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed to identify pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent operative treatment of ulnar wrist pain between 2004 and 2021. Patients were included in the analysis if they were <18 years of age, complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain, underwent MRI of the affected wrist with an available report interpreted by a consultant radiologist, and had a diagnostic arthroscopy procedure within one year of imaging. Ulnar pathologies analyzed included triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) tears, ulnotriquetral (UT) ligament tears, lunotriquetral ligament abnormalities, and ulnocarpal impaction.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients with a mean age of 15-years-old (range 11 to 17) were included in the analysis. Twenty-four were female, and approximately half had their dominant extremity affected. Most had a history of antecedent trauma (n = 34, 85%), but only 15/40 (38%) had a history of fracture. The mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was six months (standard deviation, 7). The most common etiologies were Palmer 1B TFCC tears (n = 27, 68%) followed by UT split tears (n = 11, 28%). MRI overall demonstrated high specificity (82% to 94%), but low sensitivity (14% to 71%) for ulnar-sided wrist conditions. Accuracy varied between 70% and 83% depending on the specific injury.

CONCLUSION

While MRI is a useful adjunct for determining the cause of ulnar wrist pathologies, findings are often discordant when compared with diagnostic arthroscopy. Surgeons should have a high degree of suspicion for TFCC-related pathology in the setting of positive provocative clinical examination despite negative MRI findings in young patients.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic IIb.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Chronic Hand and Wrist Pain: 2023 Update

Chronic hand and wrist pain is a common presenting complaint. The intricate anatomy results in a variety of pain generators-multiple bones, articular cartilage, intrinsic ligaments, triangular fibrocartilage complex, joint capsules and synovium, tendons and tendon sheaths, muscles, and nerves-in a compact space. The need for imaging and the choice of the appropriate imaging modality are best determined by the patient's presentation, physical examination, and the clinician's working differential diagnosis. Radiography is usually appropriate as the initial imaging study in the evaluation of chronic hand or wrist pain. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

SSR white paper: guidelines for utilization and performance of direct MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) is often considered the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intra-articular structures, but utilization and performance vary widely without consensus. The purpose of this white paper is to develop consensus recommendations on behalf of the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) based on published literature and expert opinion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Standards and Guidelines Committee of the SSR identified guidelines for utilization and performance of dMRA as an important topic for study and invited all SSR members with expertise and interest to volunteer for the white paper panel. This panel was tasked with determining an outline, reviewing the relevant literature, preparing a written document summarizing the issues and controversies, and providing recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve SSR members with expertise in dMRA formed the ad hoc white paper authorship committee. The published literature on dMRA was reviewed and summarized, focusing on clinical indications, technical considerations, safety, imaging protocols, complications, controversies, and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations for the utilization and performance of dMRA in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot regions were developed in group consensus.

CONCLUSION

Although direct MR arthrography has been previously used for a wide variety of clinical indications, the authorship panel recommends more selective application of this minimally invasive procedure. At present, direct MR arthrography remains an important procedure in the armamentarium of the musculoskeletal radiologist and is especially valuable when conventional MRI is indeterminant or results are discrepant with clinical evaluation.

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: A Diagnostic Evaluation Guide From 30-Plus Years of Experience

INTRODUCTION

While multiple ulnar-sided wrist pain (USWP) diagnostic evaluation guides have been presented, none have included original clinical data or statistical analysis. The purpose of this study is to provide a diagnostic evaluation guide derived from original clinical data and analysis to help clinicians arrive at a differential diagnosis for USWP.

METHODS

Using a computer search of patients presenting with sprains, instability, and laxity of the wrist, 385 patient charts were identified. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, subjective complaints, physical findings, and diagnostic test findings were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic methods on their ability to identify lunotriquetral ligament tears, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, and ulnar impaction syndrome. Diagnostic arthroscopy was used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients, comprising 101 cases of USWP, were included in the study. The onset of injury was traumatic in 83 out of 101 cases with motor vehicle accidents (N=46) being the most common, followed by overuse (N=18), and a fall onto an outstretched hand (N=16). The ulnocarpal tenderness test exhibited sensitivity/specificity of 72%/33%; lunotriquetral ligament laxity test of 42%/62%; bone scan of 80%/33%; radiocarpal arthrogram of 90%/98% for TFCC tears and 50%/91% for lunotriquetral ligament tears; midcarpal arthrogram of 82%/86% for lunotriquetral ligament tears. The mean ulnar variance on standard posteroanterior view radiograph was 0.95 mm, increasing to 2.67 mm on gripping posteroanterior view.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should suspect a lunotriquetral ligament and/or TFCC tear with the acute onset of USWP following a loaded dorsiflexed mechanism of injury. Ulnocarpal tenderness tests and pre-operative ulnar variance measures are effective for increasing suspicion of USW pathology. Bone scans are helpful in diagnosing ulnar impaction syndrome in conjunction with radiographic findings. A combination of midcarpal arthrogram for lunotriquetral ligament tears and radiocarpal arthrogram for TFCC tears should be employed.

Diagnosis and Management of Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The standard of care for lunotriquetral ligament injuries is evolving. An understanding of the mechanics of the lunotriquetral ligament and its role in carpal kinematics is critical when deciding how to treat these injuries. Treatment for these injuries varies from nonoperative to wrist arthroscopy with thermal capsulodesis and/or repair to reconstruction or limited arthrodesis. This article provides a review of the anatomy, pathomechanics, evaluation, and ultimately treatment of lunotriquetral ligament injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although lunotriquetral ligament injuries can occur in isolation, injuries to the lunotriquetral ligament are often viewed as a component of other injury patterns to the intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments of the wrist. Static volar intercalated segment instability typically occurs when the dorsal radiocarpal ligament is also compromised. If nonoperative treatment fails, arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis even with improving imaging modalities. Recently, authors have proposed employing the technique of ulnar-shortening osteotomy in those with ulnar negative variance and the absence of an impaction lesion. Other newer techniques included bone-ligament-bone reconstruction for chronic, static instability. LT injuries rarely occur in isolation. Most injuries involving the lunotriquetral ligament can be treated nonoperatively. Those individuals with persistent pain should be treated with a diagnostic wrist arthroscopy. Primary repairs are indicated in those with an acute, complete tear. In chronic, static instability, ligament reconstruction has been shown to improve wrist function and decrease pain.

LT Ligament Tears

Lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injuries are uncommon, however, should be considered in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain. LT injuries are often associated with other injuries but can occur in isolation. Understanding the anatomy and pathomechanics will aid in making the diagnosis. Similar to other injuries, a thorough history and focused physical examination is critical. Radiographs may show normal findings; however, advanced imaging can support the diagnosis. Arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Most patients do well with conservative management; however, injury acuity and severity will direct surgical management. Anatomy, pathophysiology, and treatment options are discussed.

Diagnosis of ulnar-sided wrist pain: a pragmatic approach for the non-specialist

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is often unfairly labelled as the 'back pain' of the wrist. This reputation comes from the complexity of diagnosing problems related to this area of the wrist. This article summarizes the anatomy and biomechanics of the wrist and presents a logical approach to diagnosing the aetiology of the pain. The problems are categorised based on the anatomical structure from which the pain arises: either bony, soft tissue-related or arising from nerves or vascular structures. The article also outlines the relevant examination findings and the most appropriate investigation that would yield a diagnosis with any given presentation. A linked article detailing the imaging of ulnar-sided wrist pain is included in this issue (10.12968/hmed.2019.80.8.461).

MR arthrography versus conventional MRI and diagnostic arthroscope in patients with chronic wrist pain

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of direct wrist MR arthrography (MRA) compared to conventional MRI in diagnosis of different pathologic entities causing chronic wrist pain.

Materials and methods

37 consecutive patients 22 males and 15 females, with age range from 16 to 49 years "mean age 28 years" complaining of unexplained chronic wrist pain were prospectively examined by using MRI and MRA with arthroscopic correlation in 25 of them. Findings were divided into 5 main groups of lesions including triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, ligamentous injuries, osseous lesions, tendon pathology and ganglion.

Results

MRA picked up more ligamentous injuries and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions that couldn`t be detected on MRI study while both were equal in detection of other types of lesions. TFCC lesions were the most common pathologic findings in both MRI and MRA. Arthroscopic correlation in 25 suspected TFCC lesions (clinically, radiologically or both) revealed that the sensitivity / specificity / accuracy of MRI and MRA were 87.5% / 100% / 96% and 100% / 100% / 100% respectively for central lesions while were 71.4% / 81.3% / 76% and 100% / 90.9% / 96% respectively For peripheral lesions. Extra-capsular lesions, like tenosynovitis and fracture hook of hamate couldn`t be confirmed arthroscopically.

Conclusion

MRA can replace both MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy in detecting causes of chronic wrist pain.

Evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage: comparison of two-compartment wrist CT arthrography using the distal radioulnar and radiocarpal joints and unicompartment wrist CT arthrography using the radiocarpal joint

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic performance of two-compartment wrist CT arthrography of the distal radioulnar and radiocarpal joints and unicompartment wrist CT arthrography of the radiocarpal joint in depiction of the triangular fibrocartilage tear.

METHODS

From January 2016 to December 2017, two-compartment CT arthrography of 74 consecutive patients (36 females, 38 males; mean age, 37.2 years) and unicompartment CT arthrography of 51 consecutive patients (18 females, 33 males; mean age, 40.1 years) were obtained. All CT arthrography images were independently and blindly evaluated by two radiologists for the presence of the triangular fibrocartilage tear by grade (partial or full thickness) per its locations: central disc proper, central-peripheral junction, proximal and distal laminae of its ulnar attachment. Fisher's exact test was used for a statistical analysis, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. The arthroscopic findings of 47 patients (34 patients with two-compartment CT arthrography and 13 patients with unicompartment CT arthrography) were evaluated for calculating sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

RESULTS

All partial and full thickness triangular fibrocartilage tears were identified more commonly by their location except for distal laminae on two-compartment CT arthrography than were unicompartment CT arthrography (p = 0.001-0.022). Two-compartment CT arthrography had high sensitivity (90.9-100%) and low specificity (33.3-76.5%) for detecting central disc proper and proximal lamina tears, comparing with unicompartment CT arthrography.

CONCLUSION

Two-compartment wrist CT arthrography is more helpful for detecting triangular fibrocartilage tears than unicompartment wrist CT arthrography.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

It could be important to evaluate the ulnar foveal insertion of the TFCC in clinical practice, which plays the most important role in DRUJ instability and ulnar-sided wrist pain. Two-compartment wrist CTA of the DRUJ and RCJ could improve diagnostic sensitivity in the TFC tear in terms of its location and torn degree over that of unicompartment wrist CTA of the RCJ. Two-compartment wrist CTA of the DRUJ and RCJ may be recommended as a diagnostic imaging, rather than unicompartment wrist CTA of the RCJ, when peripheral foveal tear of TFC is suspected, especially in young patients.

Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Arthrography and Wrist Arthroscopy in the Evaluation of Chronic Wrist Pain in Indian Population

BACKGROUND

The purpose of our study was to compare magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) as a diagnostic modality against the gold standard of wrist arthroscopy in the evaluation of chronic wrist pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty three patients with chronic wrist pain suspected to have ligament injuries of the wrist were prospectively recruited. They underwent MRA examinations followed by wrist arthroscopy. Arthroscopic findings were compared with radiological findings focusing on three important structures - triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), scapholunate ligament (SLL), and lunotriquetral ligament (LTL).

RESULTS

For the 17 patients with TFCC tears/perforations on arthroscopy, MRA gave a sensitivity (SEN) = 88%, specificity (SPE) = 87.5%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 88%, and negative predictive value (NPV) = 87.5%. For the 13 patients with SLL tears on arthroscopy, MRA gave SEN = 77%, SPE = 100%, PPV = 100%, and NPV = 87%. For the 7 patients with LTL tears on arthroscopy, MRA gave SEN = 29%, SPE = 100%, PPV = 100%, and NPV = 84%. A composite correlation between findings on MRA and wrist arthroscopy revealed an overall SEN = 73%, SPE = 96%, PPV = 93%, and NPV = 85% for MRA, with overall accuracy = 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented diagnostic results of MRA are superior to those of magnetic resonance imaging quoted in literature. MRA is a potent tool for evaluating chronic wrist pain but tends to miss lesions of intrinsic carpal ligaments (SLL and LTL) more than TFCC. Wrist arthroscopy may be recommended when the clinical suspicion is strong.

Tensioning of the radioscaphocapitate and long radio-lunate ligaments for dynamic radiocarpal instability

During 1994-2003, we treated 20 patients with post-traumatic radial-sided wrist pain and dynamic radiocarpal instability. After arthroscopy confirmed no disruption of the radioscaphocapitate ligament and an increased laxity of the ligament, we passed a strip of the radioscaphocapitate ligament through the long radio-lunate ligament. The rationale of this procedure was to increase tension of the two ligaments and to close the space of Poirier. Eighteen patients were assessed after 1-3.7 years (mean 2.5 years). Four patients were symptom-free and 11 patients were markedly improved. Fourteen patients were followed for 11-15 years; four patients were symptom-free and eight patients were markedly improved. Two reported unchanged symptoms and none was worse in the follow-up. Based on our findings, we suggest a cause of post-traumatic radial-sided wrist pain is laxity of the radiocarpal joint. We conclude that our surgical procedure increases tension in the radioscaphocapitate and long radio-lunate ligaments and decreases wrist pain at rest and during activity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.