Fat drops in wrist tendon sheaths on MRI in conjunction with a radius fracture

Abstract

A case is presented in which fat drops are seen on MRI inside extensor compartment 2 and 3, in conjunction with a radius fracture. The occurrence of traumatic tendon sheath fat-fluid levels has been sparsely reported on CT and MR imaging. This case is the first report of post-traumatic tendon sheath fat drops. Although the clinical relevance of tendon sheath fat drops seems to be limited, it is important to detect and correctly diagnose these fat drops in order to provide an accurate and complete radiologic report.