The Study of Ulnar Variance with High-Resolution MRI: Correlation with Triangular Fibrocartialge Complex and Cartilage of Ulnar Side of the Wrist

INTRODUCTION Ulnar variance affects the force distribution across the wrist and is related with some ulnar pathologies. Ulnar minus variance is associated with Kienböck’s disease, whereas ulnar plus variance plays an important role in triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear and ulnar impaction syndrome. Ulnar variance is measured based on plain radiograph. However, plain radiograph shows poor soft tissue contrast. MRI is an imaging modality with excellent soft tissue contrast, which allows showing TFCC and carpal cartilage clearly with high-resolution technique (1). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate correlations with ulnar variance and TFCC or cartilage of the wrist on high-resolution MRI with a microscopy coil.