Lunate subchondral cysts: Are there specific radiologic findings for patients with symptomatic ulnocarpal impaction?

There are few clinical studies evaluating the relationship between lunate cysts and symptomatic ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and relationship between lunate cysts and UIS by comparing data from patients with UIS against those without. From March 2012 to January 2015, 375 patients who had undergone MRI or CT for reasons other than ulnar-sided wrist pain were classified into the ‘asymptomatic group’ (Group I). Thirty three patients who had been diagnosed with UIS were classified in the ‘UIS group’ (Group II). We determined whether any differences were present between the two groups and evaluated prognostic factors for lunate cysts. The prevalence of lunate cysts was significantly higher in Group II but only reached just above 50% (10.4% vs. 57.6%, p