Imaging key wrist ligaments: what the surgeon needs the radiologist to know

Abstract

Objective: Although much attention is paid to the scapholunate ligament, lunotriquetral ligament, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex, additional intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments in the wrist play an important part in carpal stability. With improved MRI techniques, the radiologist can increasingly visualize these ligaments.

Conclusion: The anatomy, MRI appearance, and clinical significance of the scapholunate ligament, lunotriquetral ligament, triangular fibrocartilage complex, carpal metacarpal ligaments, and volar and dorsal extrinsic ligaments are reviewed.