The clinical significance of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand: an analysis of 318 hand and wrist images referred by hand surgeons

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common diagnostic tool in hand surgery. However, there is limited knowledge on the kind of findings that are relevant in treatment planning. We analysed the findings and utility of arm, wrist, metacarpal, and finger MRIs taken in a tertiary hand surgery clinic of 318 consecutive images from 316 patients referred by a hand surgeon or hand surgeon resident. Ganglions (28%), findings on the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon (18%) and on the triangular fibrocartilage (18%) were the most common findings and increased with patient age; the clinical significance of these findings was minimal. The correlation between the clinical scaphoid shift test or the fovea sign test and MRI was also non-significant. Despite findings on MRI, the diagnosis remained unsolved in 76 (24%) cases. However, MRI had a role in reassuring the patient, and in 70% of the cases, further follow-up was unnecessary. This study demonstrates that the indications for wrist and hand MRI must be considered thoroughly and interpretation of the MRI report requires knowledge.