DIRECT ANATOMICAL MRI CORRELATION - THE KNEE

Cadaveric material is often used to guide and validate the interpretat ion of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Direct correlation is achieved when the cadaver material is imaged and then directly sectio ned in the plane of the image. Indirect correlation, where the cadaver ic sections are compared with unrelated in-vivo images, is easier and more commonly used. Technical difficulties associated with the direct method include preservation of form and composition of the tissues, an d the choice of the correct location and plane in which to section the cadaver. Using an MRI compatible ruler, designed to assist the direct correlation of MRI and cadaveric sections, we have examined 10 preser ved (embalmed) cadaveric knees using different MRI sequences on severa l occasions. Despite these variations, subsequent sectioning of the ca daveric knees has shown good correlation with the MR images. Of 54 MR images compared with cadaveric sections, anatomical correlation was ra ted by independent observers as good or perfect in 47 (87%). This new, versatile and simple method can make better use of our preserved huma n cadaveric material and has potentially wide application; we are now developing it further to assess the technical capabilities of novel im aging sequences.