Abstract
ObjectiveInjuries to the wrist are, due to its small size and complex anatomical structures, difficult to assess by MR, and surgical interventions such as diagnostic arthroscopy are often necessary. Therefore, improved visualization using non-invasive methods could be of clinical value. As a first step of improvement, the purpose of this study was to evaluate visualization of anatomical structures at 7T compared with 3T MR.MethodsEighteen healthy volunteers (three males and three females from each age decade between 20 and 49 years) were examined with 7T and 3T MR. Four musculoskeletal radiologists graded 2D and 3D images on a five-level grading scale for visibility of ligaments, cartilage, nerves, trabecular bone, and tendons, as well as overall image quality (i.e., edge sharpness, perceived tissue contrast, and presence of artefacts). Statistical analysis was done using a visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis.ResultsVisibility of cartilage, trabecular bone, tendons, nerves, and ligaments was graded significantly higher at 7T with an area under the curve (AUCVGC) of 0.62–0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.97, p = < 0.0001–0.03) using either 2D or 3D imaging. Imaging with 3T was not graded as superior to 7T for any structure. Image quality was also significantly superior at 7T, except for artefacts, where no significant differences were found.ConclusionsTendons, trabecular bone, nerves, and ligaments were all significantly better visualized at 7T compared to 3T.Key Points• MRI of the wrist at 7T with a commercially available wrist coil is feasible at similar acquisition times as for 3T MRI.• The current study showed 7T to be superior to 3T in the visualization of anatomical structures of the wrist, including ligaments, tendons, nerves, and trabecular bone.• Image quality was significantly superior at 7T, except for artefacts, where no significant differences were found.
Highlights
The anatomy of the wrist, including the radiocarpal joint, the distal radioulnar joint, the intracarpal joints, and interconnecting ligaments, is complex
All evaluated anatomical structures, including ligaments, trabecular bone, cartilage, nerves, and tendons, were graded as better visualized at 7T compared to 3T (Table 3, Fig. 1)
The current study showed 7T to be superior to 3T in the visualization of anatomical structures of the wrist, as all structures were graded significantly higher for 7T compared to 3T in the visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis
Summary
The anatomy of the wrist, including the radiocarpal joint, the distal radioulnar joint, the intracarpal joints, and interconnecting ligaments, is complex. Wrist arthroscopy is still considered the reference standard for assessing intra-articular cartilage and ligament injuries in the radiocarpal and intercarpal joints [1,2,3]. Improvement of a non-invasive method, such as MRI, in the evaluation of these structures could be valuable, as wrist arthroscopy is invasive and expensive and comes with the risk of complications [4]. Some structures such as nerves and tendons are not possible to assess using an arthroscopic technique. Nerves, tendons, and trabecular bone would, be of clinical value [5,6,7,8]
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