Intrinsic carpal ligaments on MR and multidetector CT arthrography: comparison of axial and axial oblique planes

Purpose To compare axial and oblique axial planes on MR arthrography (MRA) and multidetector CT arthrography (CTA) to evaluate dorsal and volar parts of scapholunate (SLIL) and lunotriquetral interosseous (LTIL) ligaments. Methods Nine cadaveric wrists of five male subjects were studied. The visibility of dorsal and volar parts of the SLIL and LTIL was graded semi-quantitatively (good, intermediate, poor) on MRA and CTA. The presence of a ligament tear was determined on arthrosocopy and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of tear detection were calculated. Results Oblique axial imaging was particularly useful for delineating dorsal and volar parts of the LTIL on MRA with overall ‘good’ visibility increased from 11 % to 78 %. The accuracy of MRA and CTA in revealing SLIL and LTIL tear was higher using the oblique axial plane. The overall accuracy for detecting SLIL tear on CTA improved from 94 % to 100 % and from 89 % to 94 % on MRA; the overall accuracy of detecting LTIL tear on CTA improved from 89 % to 100 % and from 72 % to 89 % on MRA Conclusion Oblique axial imaging during CT and MR arthrography improves detection of tears in the dorsal and volar parts of both SLIL and LTIL. Key Points • Oblique axial imaging improves SLIL and LTIL visibility and tear detection . • This improvement is greater for the LTIL than for the SLIL ligament . • Overall , CT arthrography performed better than MR arthrography .