ABSTRACT
Background: Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] is defined as one of the most important modalities used for diagnosing lesions of small and complex structures in the body [1]. We aimed to investigate the most common wrist pathologies detected by MRI in KAUH [King Abdulaziz University Hospital] in Jeddah
Methodology: A retrospective study was done with a total sample size of 127 individuals who underwent wrist MRI investigation at KAUH in Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], between 2010-2016. The data entry was performed by using Microsoft Excel 2014, and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS V21
Results: The results of the analysis showed that the most common wrist pathology was ganglion cysts, constituting 17.8% of the 157 findings we observed. Other common findings were Tenosynovitis [10.2%], TFCC [Triangular fibrocartilage complex] tear [10.2%], TFCC degeneration [5.7%] and subchondral cysts [3.8%]. There was also a significant relation between normal/abnormal findings in individuals and their age of presentation. Age mean was 29.27 [ +/- 7.46 SD] for those with normal findings, and 37.33 [ +/- 15.62 SD] for those with abnormal findings, [P value less than 0.001]. Regarding X-ray investigation, we found that most of the sample [65.4%] did not undergo X-ray prior to MRI
Conclusion: It has been found that there is variance between all findings that were discovered by MRI, that there are differences between our study and those of others, and that due to the different sorts of cases that were presented to the hospital. We also found that most of the individuals with wrist pathologies did not get X-rays before MRI, so we recommend a clear policy of ordering MRI, also proper history and examination should be the essential tool to reach hand and wrist diagnoses. That will help in saving resources