MRI of the wrist provides the high spatial and contrast resolution of soft-tissue and osseous components needed for evaluation of the small and complex anatomy of the wrist and hand. Supporting muscles, ligaments, tendons, tendon sheaths, vessels, nerves and marrow are demonstrated on MR images with excellent spatial resolution using small FOVs (4-8 cm) and advanced wrist coil designs. MR imaging has the potential to replace conventional wrist arthrography in diagnosing tears involving the intercarpal ligaments and TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) by allowing a direct correlation of abnormalities in ligamentous and fibrocartilage morphology with the clinical presentations of pain. MR imaging is currently used for evaluation of ligamentous pathology, trauma (i.e. fracture), avascular necrosis (AVN) and Kienbock's disease (KD), as well as for abnormalities of the TFCC and carpal tunnel and the assessment of chondral surfaces.

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