Radiology Corner: Basic Principles of MRI for Hand Surgeons

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool for imaging the hand and wrist, providing differentiation between complex tissues ranging from cortical bone to the components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. This differentiation depends on the qualities of the tissue itself and on the various techniques used in magnetic resonance imaging to acquire images. This article provides basic information regarding magnetic resonance imaging principles and equipment and shows specific examples relevant to the practice of hand surgery.