Magnetic Resonance Imaging versus Ultrasonography in Evaluation of Non-Osseous wrist Pain

Background: Ganglion cysts are the most common soft tissue lesions of the wrist and a frequent cause of non-osseous wrist pain. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are both used in clinical evaluation, yet their relative diagnostic value in routine practice remains debated.Objective: Evaluation of non-osseous wrist pain caused by ganglion cysts initially by ultrasonography and further comparing it to Magnetic Resonance imaging. Patients and Methods: A total of 55 individuals with wrist discomfort aged (15 to 62 years old) were participated in this prospective cross-sectional comparative study. On the wrist joint, musculoskeletal ultrasonography was performed using a 4–12–MHz linear array transducer. A 1.5 T wrist joint MRI was performed. There was no need for post contrast MRI assessment. Results: While both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can be used for this purpose, ultrasound appears to be a favorable option for the assessment of wrist ganglion cysts.Conclusion: US can be considered as a first line of investigation in assessment of wrist pain caused by ganglion cyst followed by MRI as the second line in evaluation of lesions in debate or with atypical features.