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J Knee Surg 2024; 37(08): 593-601
DOI: 10.1055/a-2216-5186
Special Focus Section

Functional Imaging of the Knee—A Comprehensive Review

Kenneth C. Kim 
1   Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Missouri
,
Brooke Wakeman
1   Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, Missouri
,
Rob Wissman 
2   Musculoskeletal Imaging Division, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Radiology, University of Missouri System, Columbia, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Knee pain is a common presenting problem in the general population. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the cornerstones of imaging in current clinical practice. With advancements in technology, there has been increasing utilization of other modalities to evaluate knee disorders. Dynamic assessment utilizing computed tomography and portable ultrasounds have demonstrated the capacity to accurately assess and reproducibly quantify kinematics of knee disorders. Cartilage physiology can be evaluated with MRI. Emerging research has even demonstrated novel musculoskeletal applications of positron emission tomography to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament graft metabolic activity following reconstruction. As technology continues to evolve and traditional ways are improved upon, future comparative studies will elucidate the distinct advantages of the various modalities. Although radiology is still primarily an anatomic specialty, there is immense potential for functional imaging to be the standard of care. This review focuses on the most common musculoskeletal applications of functional imaging as well as future utilization.

Keywords

radiology - orthopaedics - musculoskeletal application - functional imaging


Publication History

Received: 31 May 2023

Accepted: 18 November 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
22 November 2023

Article published online:
22 December 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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