Osseous anatomic variants of the wrist: findings on MR imaging.

Abstract

A natomic variants of the osseous structures of the wrist are common and readily detected on MR imagmg. Noteworthy variations include accessory ossicles, carpal coalitions, variable lunate morphology, articular lipping at the pisotriquetral joint, and pseudosubluxation of the distal radioulnar joint. Although many of these entities can be identified or clarified on radiographs alone, their appearance on radiography may be ambiguous or radiographs may not be available at the time of MR image evaluation. The correct identification ofthese variants on MR studies is important so that these often incidental entities are not mistaken for pathologic findings or otherwise cause confusion. In some cases, however, these anatomic variants are associated with symptomatic conditions, and familiarity with the MR appearance of these osseous vanants may prevent misinterpretation.