Dynamic MRI to quantify musculoskeletal motion: A systematic review of concurrent validity and reliability, and perspectives for evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

PurposeTo report evidence for the concurrent validity and reliability of dynamic MRI techniques to evaluate in vivo joint and muscle mechanics, and to propose recommendations for their use in the assessment of normal and impaired musculoskeletal function.Materials and methodsThe search was conducted on articles published in Web of science, PubMed, Scopus, Academic search Premier, and Cochrane Library between 1990 and August 2017. Studies that reported the concurrent validity and/or reliability of dynamic MRI techniques for in vivo evaluation of joint or muscle mechanics were included after assessment by two independent reviewers. Selected articles were assessed using an adapted quality assessment tool and a data extraction process. Results for concurrent validity and reliability were categorized as poor, moderate, or excellent.ResultsTwenty articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a mean quality assessment score of 66% (±10.4%). Concurrent validity and/or reliability of eight dynamic MRI techniques were reported, with the knee being the most evaluated joint (seven studies). Moderate to excellent concurrent validity and reliability were reported for seven out of eight dynamic MRI techniques. Cine phase contrast and real-time MRI appeared to be the most valid and reliable techniques to evaluate joint motion, and spin tag for muscle motion.ConclusionDynamic MRI techniques are promising for the in vivo evaluation of musculoskeletal mechanics; however results should be evaluated with caution since validity and reliability have not been determined for all joints and muscles, nor for many pathological conditions.

Dynamic MRI for articulating joint evaluation on 1.5 T and 3.0 T scanners: setup, protocols, and real-time sequences

“…In their systematic review, Borotikar et al concluded that cine phase-contrast and real-time sequences were the two types of sequences that provided excellent validity and reliability for joint motion evaluation by MRI [17]. Cine phase-contrast sequences provide quantitative data, such as the three-dimensional (3D) pixel velocity in moving structures, coupled with anatomical images.…”

“…This is due to the existence of multiple and custom-built dynamic MRI sequences and the lack of standard/built-in dynamic musculoskeletal MRI sequences from the MRI scanners' original equipment manufacturers. Dynamic MRI is currently still not used in standard clinical practice for the management of musculoskeletal disorders [17]. Optimal dynamic MRI of the joint requires the following:…”

“…As many as eight types of dynamic MRI sequences have been reported in the literature. Of these, real-time sequences provide fast, trigger-free, and multi-slice acquisitions and are most suitable for in vivo joint evaluations in individuals with joint disorders [17]. In the following sections, we focus on real-time sequences and provide relevant details of the following: 1) Real-time sequence parameters used by multiple manufacturers on 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI scanners.…”

Clinical Utility of Advanced Imaging of the Knee

“…Dynamic kinematic MRI can allow for combined soft tissue evaluation with in vivo assessment of kinematics without the risks of ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy or CT . Different protocols have been described and validated, including cine‐phase contrast and, dynamic SPGR‐VIPR, and real‐time radial FLASH MRI .…”

“…Dynamic kinematic MRI can allow for combined soft tissue evaluation with in vivo assessment of kinematics without the risks of ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy or CT. 66 Different protocols have been described and validated, including cine-phase contrast and, dynamic SPGR-VIPR, and real-time radial FLASH MRI. [67][68][69][70] The precision of measurements with dynamic MRI is similar to measurements from biplanar fluoroscopy, with precision 0.5-0.9 mm for translational measurements and 0.8-1.2 degrees for rotational measurements of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints.…”