Imaging of ulnar-sided wrist pain

Abstract

Ulnar-sided wrist pain has long been a diagnostic problem, partly because of the complex anatomy and many possible causes of pain in this region. This article discusses anatomy, pathophysiology, and imaging appearance of the more common causes, including tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, disorders of the distal radioulnar joint, tears of the lunotriquetral ligament, disorders of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, disorders of the pisotriquetral joint, the impingement and impaction syndromes, and ulnar wrist masses. Along with clinical history and physical examination, imaging is important in evaluation of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Conventional radiographs, conventional arthrography, CT, MRI, and MR arthrography are useful modalities that are often used in concert to help guide diagnosis and treatment.