Using a Dedicated Extremity MRI Scanner for Depicting Anatomic Structures of Common Wrist Pathologies: A Pilot Comparison with a 3-Tesla MRI Scanner.

This pilot study explored the value of a dedicated extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner by focusing on the qualitative depiction of important wrist structures in common wrist pathologies, the overall image quality, artifacts, and participant experience in undergoing the examinations.  Images of the right wrist of 10 healthy adult volunteers were acquired with a 0.31-Tesla (T) dedicated extremity MRI and a 3-T MRI system, using a dedicated wrist coil. Images were separately evaluated by three radiologists. Paired images were randomized and graded for the visibility of anatomical details, including the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC; central disc, meniscus homolog, and ulnar attachment), carpal ligaments (scapholunate [SL] and lunotriquetral [LT] ligaments), intercarpal cartilage, and median and ulnar nerves. Mean values and standard deviations of evaluation results were calculated for each sequence. Participants' experience in undergoing the examination in both MRI scanners was explored using a questionnaire.  The mean values of anatomic structures and overall image quality were significantly in favor of the 3-T MRI scanner, compared with the dedicated extremity MRI scanner. With respect to patient satisfaction in undergoing the examination, the overall trend suggested that patients were more in favor of the dedicated extremity MRI scanner.  For defining the real clinical value of the dedicated MRI scanner in the treatment of hand and wrist pathology, studies focused on pathologies are needed, which is certainly warranted, considering the important benefits of these devices including lower costs and higher accessibility for both patients and health care providers.