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Hur Y, Ahn JM, Kim HJ, Jeon Y, Kang Y, Gong HS. Peripheral tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic performance of the primary and secondary signs. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:1153-1163. [PMID: 38127153 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04517-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is to assess the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for type 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear of the wrist. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled 78 patients to examine the diagnostic performance of preoperative MRI examinations in patients with type 1B TFCC tears. Thirty-nine participants had confirmed type 1B TFCC tear. The control group included 39 patients who were randomly selected from 1157 patients who underwent MRI for wrist pain. Both groups underwent a review of 19 MRI findings by two independent radiologists, and the correlation between each diagnostic finding and type 1B TFCC tear was assessed using the chi-squared test. The 19 MRI findings comprised eight primary signs of abnormalities in the distal or proximal lamina, in conjunction with 11 secondary signs suggestive of abnormalities in the surrounding structures. RESULTS The TFCC tear group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of two primary MRI signs, i.e., fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina, as observed by both readers (R1, 74.4% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.003, and 87.2% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001; R2, 74.4% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.001, and 87.2% vs. 53.8%, p < 0.003, respectively). Reader 2 identified a higher prevalence of two additional primary MRI signs: fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the proximal lamina (all p < 0.05). None of the 11 secondary MRI signs demonstrated statistically significant associations with type 1B TFCC. CONCLUSION MRI manifestations of fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina may provide predictive markers for type 1B TFCC wrist tear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjun Hur
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea
| | - Joong Mo Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea.
| | - Hyo Jin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea
| | - Yejin Jeon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea
| | - Yusuhn Kang
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea
| | - Hyun Sik Gong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, South Korea
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Della Rosa N, Vita F, Pederiva D, Pilla F, Donati D, Faldini C, Adani R. Combined repair of scapholunate ligament (SL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in chronic trauma of the wrist: surgical treatment of 14 patients. Musculoskelet Surg 2024; 108:69-75. [PMID: 37227663 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-023-00787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Injuries of the scapholunate ligament (SL) and of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) represent the main ligament injuries of the traumatic wrist. A double injury of the SL and TFCC ligaments is quite common in the trauma setting, and clinical examination is fundamental. MRI allows to detection of a TFCC and SL ligament injury, but wrist arthroscopy is still the gold standard for diagnosis. We present the clinical results of the combined reconstruction of chronic scapholunate ligament and TFCC injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen patients were treated at our hospital with a combined scapholunate ligament and TFCC complex repair. All patients were surgically treated by the same senior author, after a diagnostic arthroscopy that revealed a lesion of both structures. A comparison between the pre-operative and post-operative pain and function was carried out using VAS, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Related Wrist/Hand Evaluation score (PRWHE). Wrist range of motion and strength were also compared following surgery. RESULTS All patients had a mean follow-up of 54 months. A statistically significant improvement was observed both with the reduction in pain (VAS from 8.9 to 5) and with the improvement of functionality scores (DASH from 63 to 40 and PRWHE from 70 to 57) and with the increase in ROM and strength. In only one patient (7%), because of pain and instability, a supplement operation was needed (Sauve-Kapandji procedure) 3 months after the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS The simultaneous repair of the SL and TFCC complex has shown a good success rate in both decreasing pain and regaining functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Della Rosa
- Department of Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Vita
- IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Davide Pederiva
- IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Pilla
- IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danilo Donati
- IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Faldini
- IRCCS-Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Via Pupilli 1, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Adani
- Department of Hand Surgery and Microsurgery, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy
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Liu B, Fok MWM. The medium term outcomes of an all-arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal reconstruction using tendon graft. Int Orthop 2021; 45:1273-1279. [PMID: 33619584 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-021-04976-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In patients with symptomatic chronic tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), reconstruction with a tendon graft is indicated. We propose an arthroscopic-assisted technique to reconstruct the TFCC and to stabilize the distal radioulnar joint. METHODS Patients with a chronic foveal TFCC tear of which it is deem not reparable were recruited. TFCC reconstruction was performed by making use of the TFCC remnants and a palmaris tendon graft under arthroscopic guidance. RESULTS Twelve patients with an average age of 29 years old were evaluated. Three patients had concomitant ulnar shortening procedure. The average follow-up period was 29 months. All patients had stable DRUJ. Significant improvement was noted for pain score (from 4 to 1), DASH score (from 31 to 9.5), and Mayo modified wrist score (from 82 to 95). Grip strength was improved and the range of movement of the wrist was maintained. No complication nor graft re-rupture was noted. CONCLUSION This is a viable arthroscopic technique of TFCC reconstruction in a selected group of patients who had chronic foveal TFCC tear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Ji Shui Tan Hospital, The 4th Clinical College of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Margaret Woon Man Fok
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 5/F, Professorial Block, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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Zhan H, Bai R, Qian Z, Yang Y, Zhang H, Yin Y. Traumatic injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)-a refinement to the Palmer classification by using high-resolution 3-T MRI. Skeletal Radiol 2020; 49:1567-1579. [PMID: 32372253 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-020-03438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhan
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, No. 31, Xinjiekou East St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Rongjie Bai
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, No. 31, Xinjiekou East St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China.
| | - Zhanhua Qian
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, No. 31, Xinjiekou East St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, No. 31, Xinjiekou East St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, No. 31, Xinjiekou East St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Yuming Yin
- Radiology Associates, LLP, 1814 South Alameda Street, Corpus Christi, TX, 78404, USA
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Chen ACY, Chiu CH, Weng CJ, Chang SS, Cheng CY. Early and late fixation of ulnar styloid base fractures yields different outcomes. J Orthop Surg Res 2018; 13:193. [PMID: 30064441 PMCID: PMC6069711 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-018-0899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of surgical fixation of ulnar styloid fractures remains a subject of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes following early and late intervention. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who underwent surgical repair for unilateral ulnar styloid fractures with distal radioulnar instability between 2004 and 2014. Surgical fixation was performed within 3 months of injury in 13 patients (group A) and beyond 3 months in 15 patients (group B). Patient characteristics and functional outcomes were compared between the two groups. The outcome survey consisted of QuickDASH score, grip strength, range of motion, pain score based on the visual analog scale, and surgical complications. Descriptive statistics were calculated for key variables. A p value of < 0.01 was considered statistically significant. Results Patient characteristics including age, sex, injured side, dominant side injury, and concomitant distal radius fracture showed no significant differences between the two groups. Time to surgery averaged 1.1 months in group A and 12.3 months in group B. Significantly better outcomes were found in group A than in group B, including QuickDASH scores (4.4 ± 5.9 vs. 12.9 ± 9.9) and grip strength (37.4 ± 5.1 vs. 29.1 ± 5.9 kg). Significantly better range of motion was found in group A than in group B with respect to supination (81.9° ± 4.3° vs. 75° ± 8.5°), extension (84.6 ± 4.3 vs. 76.7 ± 6.5), and flexion (80.4° ± 3.8° vs. 72° ± 4.1°). The difference was not significant in case of pronation (78.8° ± 3° vs. 74.3° ± 5.9°) and with respect to pain scores (0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 1). Conclusion Both osseous and soft tissue lesions need to be fully addressed in ulnar styloid fractures. Early detection and surgical repair yielded better outcomes. Higher complication rates in late-treated fractures show that surgeons should select surgical candidates and modalities properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Chao-Yu Chen
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Chih-Hao Chiu
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Jui Weng
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Sheng Chang
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ying Cheng
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin Street, Kweishan District, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Boer BC, Vestering M, van Raak SM, van Kooten EO, Huis In 't Veld R, Vochteloo AJH. MR arthrography is slightly more accurate than conventional MRI in detecting TFCC lesions of the wrist. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018; 28:1549-1553. [PMID: 29700613 PMCID: PMC6244851 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-018-2215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction In case of clinical suspicion of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury, different imaging techniques are used. The aim of this study was to determine whether MRA is superior to MRI and whether 3.0 T is better than 1.5 T (expresses in sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) in detecting TFCC injury, using arthroscopy as the gold standard. Materials and methods The arthroscopic and MR findings of 150 patients who underwent arthroscopy for ulnar-sided wrist pain between January 2009 and November 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Results MRA was slightly more accurate compared to conventional MRI, and 1.5 T was slightly more accurate than 3.0 T. 1.5 T wrist MRA had a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 100% and accuracy of 90%; 3.0 T wrist MRA 73, 100 and 86%, resp. Conventional 1.5 T wrist MRI had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 75% and accuracy of 73%. For 3.0 T conventional MRI, this was 73, 67 and 70%, resp. Conclusions MRA seems slightly superior to conventional MRI, but one could question whether this difference in diagnostic accuracy outweighs the burden and risks of an invasive procedure for patients with its additional costs. Furthermore, we could not confirm the superiority of 3 T compared to 1.5 T.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Boer
- Hand and Wrist Unit, Centre for Orthopaedic Surgery OCON, PO Box 546, 7550 AM, Hengelo, The Netherlands
| | - M Vestering
- Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, PO Box 546, 7550 AM, Hengelo, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Postbus 50 000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - S M van Raak
- Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, PO Box 546, 7550 AM, Hengelo, The Netherlands
| | - E O van Kooten
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Postbus 50 000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - R Huis In 't Veld
- Hand and Wrist Unit, Centre for Orthopaedic Surgery OCON, PO Box 546, 7550 AM, Hengelo, The Netherlands
| | - A J H Vochteloo
- Hand and Wrist Unit, Centre for Orthopaedic Surgery OCON, PO Box 546, 7550 AM, Hengelo, The Netherlands.
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Chen ACY, Weng CJ, Chiu CH, Chang SS, Cheng CY, Chan YS. Results of Arthroscopic Repair of Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear With Exploration of Dorsal Sensory Branch of Ulnar Nerve. Open Orthop J 2017; 11:525-532. [PMID: 28694892 PMCID: PMC5470059 DOI: 10.2174/1874325001711010525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ulnar-sided approach in arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair may jeopardize treatment success by exposing the dorsal sensory branch of ulnar nerve (DSBUN) in risk of injury. We aim to conduct a follow-up assessment of arthroscopic outside-in TFCC repair and efficacy of sensory nerve exploration. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 58 patients (59 wrists) who received arthroscopic repair of the peripheral attachment of the TFCC. Ulnar-sided skin incision and exploration of DSBUN were performed before arthroscopy setting. Arthroscopic outside-in repair through pullout suture ligation was performed. Functional survey at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively was based on Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), and compared to the preoperative assessment. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant as calculated using paired t-test. Results: Postoperative MMWS averaged 74.32±11.50 at 6 months, and 84.41±9.52 at one year; both showed significant difference as compared to preoperative status. Significant improvement was noted in all 4 individual items except motion retrieval between 6 months and 1 year. Totally, 45 (76%) cases achieved good or excellent results at one year; however, less patients resumed pre-injury activity level when treatment delay was more than 6 months than those treated earlier (41% vs. 57%). Complication included 6 transient paresthesia; 1 anchor migration and 1 distal radioulnar arthrosis. No more nerve complication was found after modification of perineural dissection. Conclusion: Arthroscopy is effective in obtaining both correct diagnosis and treatment of peripheral TFCC tear. Modified perineural dissection can minimize sensory nerve complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin Chao-Yu Chen
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Jui Weng
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hao Chiu
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Sheng Chang
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ying Cheng
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Sheng Chan
- Bone and Joint Research Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine; Taiwan, Republic of China
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Rauscher I, Bender B, Grözinger G, Luz O, Pohmann R, Erb M, Schick F, Martirosian P. Assessment of T1, T1ρ, and T2 values of the ulnocarpal disc in healthy subjects at 3 tesla. Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 32:1085-90. [PMID: 24960365 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to implement clinically feasible imaging techniques for determination of T1, T1ρ, and T2 values of the ulnocarpal disc and to assess those values in a cohort of asymptomatic subjects at 3 tesla. Resulting values were compared between different age groups, since former histological findings of the ulnocarpal disc indicated frequent early degenerative changes of this tissue starting in the third decade of life, even in asymptomatic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven healthy subjects were included in this study. T1 measurements were performed using 3D spoiled gradient-echo (GRE) sequence with variable flip angle. A series of T1ρ and T2-weighted images was acquired by a 3D GRE sequence after suitable magnetization preparation. T1,T1ρ, and T2 maps of the ulnocarpal disc were calculated pixel-wise. Representative mean values from extended regions were analysed. RESULTS Mean T1 values of the ulnocarpal disc ranged from 722 ms in a 39 year-old subject to 1264 ms in a 65 year-old subject, T1ρ ranged from 9.2 ms (26 year-old subject) to 25.9 ms (65 year-old subject). Calculated T2 values showed a large range from 4.1 ms to 22.3 ms. T1ρ and T1 values tended to increase with age (p<0.05), whereas T2 did not. CONCLUSIONS MR relaxometry of the ulnocarpal disc is feasible, and T1,T1ρ, and T2 values show modest variance in asymptomatic subjects. The potential of relaxation mapping to reveal relevant structural changes in patients has to be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Rauscher
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bender
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerd Grözinger
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Luz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Pohmann
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Magnetic Resonance Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Erb
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fritz Schick
- Section on Experimental Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Petros Martirosian
- Section on Experimental Radiology, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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