MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM .1. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Magnetic resonance imaging has become a powerful tool for diagnosing m any orthopaedic disorders. To use the technology appropriately and und erstand the nature of the images, it is important that the referring o rthopaedic surgeon be familiar with the underlying principles of image formation. In this article, the author discusses the underlying physi cal phenomena, the instrumentation used for magnetic resonance imaging , and the principal determinants of the appearance of the image, in pa rticular, the different pulse sequences, Paramagnetic contrast agents also are discussed briefly, and a few considerations regarding patient safety are addressed.