[A comparison of arthrography and magnetic resonance tomography in painful limited movements of the hand].

In 18 patients with unclear pain in the wrist limiting hand movement, arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared. The FISP gradient echo sequence turned out to be superior to the T1 weighted spin-echo sequence in the imaging of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. MRI is very sensitive in detecting triangular fibrocartilage lesions and therefore represents a suitable non-invasive screening method. It is, however, not possible to assess the degree of the lesion. Ruptures in carpal tendons could only be diagnosed by means of arthrography.