Wrist MR imaging in children: Effect on clinical diagnosis and management

Objectives Evaluate the impact of wrist MRI in children on clinical diagnosis and management. Materials and methods Four year retrospective analysis including demographics, MRI diagnoses, and effect on diagnoses and management were determined. Results 101 patients were included. Wrist MRI altered management in 86% (95% CI: 77–92%) and diagnosis in 46% (36–56%) of patients. MRI changed both diagnosis and management in 41% (31–51%), changed management only in 46% (35–56%), changed diagnosis only in 5% (2–12%), and had no change in diagnosis or management in 9% (95% CI: 4–17%). Conclusion Wrist MRI in children changes clinical diagnosis and management in a substantial proportion of cases.