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MR morphology of triangular fibrocartilage complex: correlation with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties

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Abstract

Objective

To evaluate pathology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) using high-resolution morphologic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and compare with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties.

Materials and methods

Five cadaveric wrists (22–70 years) were imaged at 3 T using morphologic (proton density weighted spin echo, PD FS, and 3D spoiled gradient echo, 3D SPGR) and quantitative MR sequences to determine T2 and T1rho properties. In eight geographic regions, morphology of TFC disc and laminae were evaluated for pathology and quantitative MR values. Samples were disarticulated and biomechanical indentation testing was performed on the distal surface of the TFC disc.

Results

On morphologic PD SE images, TFC disc pathology included degeneration and tears, while that of the laminae included degeneration, degeneration with superimposed tear, mucinous transformation, and globular calcification. Punctate calcifications were highly visible on 3D SPGR images and found only in pathologic regions. Disc pathology occurred more frequently in proximal regions of the disc than distal regions. Quantitative MR values were lowest in normal samples, and generally higher in pathologic regions. Biomechanical testing demonstrated an inverse relationship, with indentation modulus being high in normal regions with low MR values. The laminae studied were mostly pathologic, and additional normal samples are needed to discern quantitative changes.

Conclusion

These results show technical feasibility of morphologic MR, quantitative MR, and biomechanical techniques to characterize pathology of the TFCC. Quantitative MRI may be a suitable surrogate marker of soft tissue mechanical properties, and a useful adjunct to conventional morphologic MR techniques.

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Acknowledgements

This article was made possible in part by grants from award number 5I01CX000625 (Project ID: 1161961) from the Clinical Science Research & Development of the VA Office of Research and Development in support of Dr. Christine B. Chung, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases of the National Institutes of Health in support of Dr. Won C. Bae (grant number R01 AR066622). The contents of this paper are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or Veterans Affairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 114, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA

    Won C. Bae, Eric Y. Chang & Christine B. Chung

  2. Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, 408 Dickinson St., San Diego, CA, 92103-8226, USA

    Won C. Bae, Eric Y. Chang, Reni Biswas, Jiang Du, Sheronda Statum & Christine B. Chung

  3. Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama VI Road, Rachathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, 10400

    Thumanoon Ruangchaijatuporn

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  1. Won C. Bae
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  3. Eric Y. Chang
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Correspondence to Christine B. Chung.

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Bae, W.C., Ruangchaijatuporn, T., Chang, E.Y. et al. MR morphology of triangular fibrocartilage complex: correlation with quantitative MR and biomechanical properties. Skeletal Radiol 45, 447–454 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2309-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-015-2309-z

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