Multimodality pitfalls of wrist imaging with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging

Numerous pitfalls are frequently encountered at multimodality imaging of the wrist, which may mimic various tendinous, osseous, capsuloligamentous, muscular, and neurovascular pathologic conditions. These pitfalls may be secondary to variant anatomy, artifactual due to magnetic resonance imaging or sonographic technique, or represent varying ranges of structure-specific normal including a spectrum of findings associated with aging in asymptomatic subjects. When an imaging finding of questionable significance is encountered, it is critical that the interpreting radiologist make every attempt to review any relevant clinical information in an effort to determine whether the imaging findings in question may account for the patient's presenting symptomology. In order to accurately diagnose true pathology at wrist imaging, it is imperative that the radiologist be familiar with the pitfalls discussed throughout this manuscript that may mimic disease. This familiarity will allow the radiologist to provide a more useful report for referring providers focusing on true pathology while eliminating potentially confusing or misleading findings which are inconsistent with the patient's clinical presentation.