MR arthrography of the wrist joint
Magnetic resonance (MR) is currently the most modern and accurate non-invasive imaging method of the human body. It allows to precisely identify the source of pain, determine the nature of the condition (traumatic, inflammatory, cancerous) or the severity of degenerative changes. MRI is a completely safe, non-invasive and painless examination.
Our laboratory has one of the most modern MRI machines in Poznan and Poland, namely Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5T. Images made with this apparatus are characterized by extraordinary quality, unprecedented among older generation cameras. In addition, the interior of the MRI is 10 cm larger in diameter, providing comfort to claustrophobic patients without compromising the quality of the examination.
Due to the rather complex structure of the wrist joint, some diagnostic methods do not allow an accurate assessment of this joint. With help, however, comes MRI, which is the most perfect diagnostic form, thanks to which we are able to assess even the tiniest structure in the joint with great precision. This diagnosis can be taken even further by administering a diluted contrast agent intra-articularly with the help of ultrasound, which, when examined by MRI, helps assess the differentiated structures within the joint as well as any damage.
Magnetic resonance arthrography of the wrist joint shows much higher sensitivity compared to classic examination. In this case, arthrography is particularly useful in differentiating triangular cartilage complex (TFCC) damage, SLL, LTL ligament damage, ulnar collateral ligament UCL damage, tendon sheath damage.
What are the indications for MR arthrography of the wrist joint?
- Post-traumatic evaluation of intramedullary ligaments,
- triangular cartilage assessment,
- Triangular cartilage complex (TFCC) evaluation ,
- Assessment of the extent of tendon sheath damage,
- Pre- and post-operative evaluation,
- Assessment of lesions and post-traumatic complications.
What are the contraindications to MR arthrography of the wrist joint?
Absolute contraindications to MRI include any electronic devices implanted in the patient’s body, such as:
- pacemakers, defibrillators or cardiac pacemakers
- insulin pumps
- neurostimulators
- Hearing prostheses, intracochlear implants
- Any ferromagnetic prosthesis (old type), metal bullets, metal filings (especially in the eye) and other metals placed in the body
Dental implants, retainers or even fixed braces are not a contraindication to the test.
Currently, a large number of implants are not a contraindication to examination in the high electromagnetic field found in MRI, because they are created from alloys of materials that do not show ferromagnetic properties, such as titanium.
A special contraindication is the patient’s pregnancy, especially the first trimester! Patients during pregnancy are strongly discouraged from having an MRI unless the mother’s life is at risk and the test cannot be postponed.
MR arthrography of the wrist joint – the course of the examination
On the day of the examination, you must appear one hour before your appointment to fill out a questionnaire and have a delivery puncture and contrast injected directly into the joint via ultrasound – this is required before the MRI examination. We ask that each patient bring all medical records pertaining to the area being examined, i.e. previous imaging descriptions and records, hospital discharges, appointment cards, etc.
Magnetic resonance imaging for wrist joint arthrography takes about 30 minutes. During the examination, you should lie as still as possible, in particular, you cannot move the wrist under examination.
The MRI makes loud noises during the test, but the patient is always given earplugs or headphones to muffle the noise.