MR-IMAGING OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM - TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENHANCING IMAGE QUALITY AND DIAGNOSTIC YIELD

MR imaging has revolutionized the diagnostic evaluation of musculoskel etal disorders, becoming the study of choice for many indications. Wit hout the use of ionizing radiation, MR imaging can safely produce high contrast, high-resolution cross-sectional images of the body in virtu ally any imaging plane. To maximize the diagnostic information of musc uloskeletal MR studies, the radiologist must consistently produce the highest quality images possible, which in turn depends on a complex in teraction among multiple technical factors. We present our perspective s on some of these factors, stressing the impact each has for specific indications. The material presented herein should be viewed as guidel ines for improving image quality and diagnostic yield. However, indivi dual systems and applications vary considerably, and the radiologist m ust ''fine-tune'' protocols to reflect the available resources, patien t population, and preferences of the referring clinicians.