Routine 3D magnetic resonance imaging of joints

Abstract

Due to its high spatial resolution and excellent tissue contrast, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become the most commonly used imaging method to evaluate joints. Most musculoskeletal MR imaging is performed using two-dimensional fast spin-echo sequences. However, three-dimensional sequences have also been used for joint imaging and have the advantage of acquiring thin continuous slices through joints which reduces the effects of partial volume averaging. With recent advances in MR technology, three-dimensional sequences with isotropic resolution have been developed. These sequences allow high quality multi-planar reformat images to be obtained following a single acquisition, thereby eliminating the need to repeat sequences with identical tissue contrast in different planes. Preliminary results on the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional isotropic resolution sequences are encouraging. However, additional studies are needed to determine whether these sequences can replace currently used two-dimensional fast spin-echo sequences for providing comprehensive joint assessment in clinical practice.

Regional Articular Cartilage Abnormalities of the Hip

“…However, given the technical and anatomic challenges of hip MRI, the delineation of cartilage from synovial fluid in the hip is inferior with 3D gradient-echo sequences compared with intermediate-weighted 2D sequences. Also, to achieve an SNR with sufficient cartilage signal intensity, long scanning times are necessary [35] and artifacts are more prominent in the 3D sequences mentioned [36]. Therefore, in clinical routine, 3D gradient-echo sequences are limited in assessing cartilage structure and surface abnormalities as shown in Figure 2.…”

Comparison of 3D turbo spin-echo SPACE sequences with conventional 2D MRI sequences to assess the shoulder joint

“…Conventional MRI-protocols consists of two-dimensional (2D) turbo spin-echo (TSE) and gradient-echo sequences, repeated in multiple planes. Although these sequences have excellent tissue contrast and high in-plane spatial resolution, their validity is adversely affected by relatively thick slices and intersection small gaps [7]. Moreover, several measurement steps have to be performed to display the joint in multiple planes because voxels are not isotropic and thus multi-planar reformations cannot be performed without loss of image quality.…”

3D double-echo steady-state sequence assessment of hip joint cartilage and labrum at 3 Tesla: comparative analysis of magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative data

“…Compared with other MRI sequences, which are commonly used in the assessment of hip cartilage and acetabular labrum [11][12][13], the double-echo steady-state (DESS) MR sequence with water excitation offers high-resolution, three-dimensional (3D) imaging and multiplanar reformatting. In addition, its strong fluid signal creates an arthrogram-like effect within the joint [14] that may increase the diagnostic capabilities by increasing the conspicuity of labrum and hip joint cartilage alterations [3] particularly if conventional noncontrast MRI is performed. The radial imaging approach will further improve the visualization of the labrum and the cartilage, as it minimizes volume averaging and image distortion by displaying these structures in perpendicular sections ( Fig.…”