ABSTRACT
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the musculoskeletal system
is limited to static evaluation of muscle, spine, and joint morphology. However, using
the variety of contrast mechanisms available with MRI, it is possible to obtain functional
and biomechanical data about the musculoskeletal system. The function of joints and
muscles are for motion and weight bearing, so pathology that only occurs during activity
can be missed on static MRI examination. Similarly, important information about muscle
biomechanics, muscle energetics, and joint function can be obtained with unique MRI
contrast such as T
2-mapping, spectroscopy, blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) imaging, and molecular
imaging. These new techniques hold the promise for a more complete and useful joint
examination.
KEYWORDS
MRI - functional - T2-mapping - dynamic - kinematic