Ultrasound Versus MRI In Evaluation of Triangular Fibrocartilage Injury

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of ultrasound (US) versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of triangular fibrocartilage injury. Patients and Methods: The present case-control study recruited 30 participants who were referred to the Radiodiagnosis department of Ain Shams University hospitals for ulnar side pain. Patients were included regardless of their age and gender. Eligible patients were categorized according to their MRI findings into control (negative MRI findings) and case (positive MRI findings) groups. Results: The study included 15 cases and 15 age- and sex-matched controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of US in detection of tear diagnosed by MRI was 75%, 90.9%, 75%, 90.9% and 86.6% respectively. Likewise, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of US in detection of degeneration diagnosed by MRI was 80%, 95%, 88.9%, 90.4% and 90% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of US in detection of tenosynovitis diagnosed by MRI was 50%, 82.1%, 17%, 76.4% and 95.8% respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of US in detection of any lesion (tear/degeneration) diagnosed by MRI was 73.3%, 86.7%, 84.6%, 76.4% and 80% respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, US is a cost-saving, available, and easy-touse modality that can be greatly beneficial in differentiating TFCC injuries. The present study showed that the US achieved good agreement with MRI findings, and it yielded an acceptable diagnostic accuracy in detection of TFCC injuries.