Role of magnetic resonance image MRI in diagonsis of traumatic wrist pain

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging method that offers remarkable information in assessing both the osseous and the soft tissue structures of the wrist. The ligaments, tendons, nerves, muscles, and cartilage can be resolved due to the high spatial and contrast resolution of this method. It is an excellent technique for evaluating patients with wrist pain to help establish or confirm underlying wrist abnormalities. Aim of the work: evaluation of the role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of traumatic wrist pain. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients suffering from wrist pain with history of trauma were included in this study. They were 27 males and 3 females, their age ranged from 20-60 years with a mean of 40 years. All patients were subjected to the following: a. Full history taking. b. Imaging modalities include [Conventional X-ray radiography - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. Results: Osseous injuries, 21 patients were diagnosed as carpal bone injuries *Plain radiography, detects only 4 patients of bony lesions, *MRI detects all patients with bony injuries. Soft tissue injuries, 9 patients were diagnosed with no bony fractures *Plain radiography, failed to detect patients with soft tissue injuries, * MRI detects all patients with soft tissue injuries. Conclusion: MRI has the advantage being non invasive, non harmful technique & the multiplanar capability allowing Coronal, Axial & Sagittal planes with special sequences in early diagnosis of some diseases eg. Early stage of AVN, occult fracture & all soft tissue lesions that missed by plain radiography.