Triangular fibrocartilage complex: normal appearance on coronal three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo MR images.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequences in demonstration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Appearance of the TFCC in wrists of 11 cadavers, 17 patients, and six volunteers at three-dimensional GRE magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated and compared with that at dissection. RESULTS: MR appearance of the TFCC was similar for all wrists. Volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments were identified. The TFCC had two types of attachments to the ulna: The more common consisted of two striated attachments, one to the tip and the other to the base of the styloid; the less common consisted of a broad-based striated attachment along the styloid. MR appearance of the ulnotriquetral and ulnolunate ligaments and meniscus homologue varied but correlated with observations at dissection. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional GRE sequence consistently demonstrated most TFCC components. Dissection helped confirm MR-demonstrable variability in the ulnar aspect of the TFCC.