3-tesla MRI effective in wrist tear detection

MRI of the wrist at 3 tesla is an effective way to detect wrist ligament tears and, in some cases, it can help avoid unnecessary surgery.

That conclusion comes from a study of 49 patients who received both 3-tesla MR and arthroscopy performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging in Merritt Island, FL. The study was published in the January 2009 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology (Vol. 192:1, pp. 80-85).

Dr. Thomas Magee, the lead author, noted that 51 tears were found on arthroscopy, while 41 of the 51 tears also were found using 3-tesla MRI. The researchers described 3-tesla MR image quality as good, adding that they were able to see the small ligaments "a lot better and determine whether or not they are torn."

The study also concluded that 3-tesla MRI provides a road map for physicians to use during surgery and eliminates surgery for patients with normal findings. Physicians can see bone bruises, cysts, and other abnormalities that may cause pain, which may not be related to ligament tears.

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