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Rationale and Objectives. The aut_horS exaw~ed the prognostic value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in stress injuries of bone.Materials and Methods, Clinical follow-up data were collected in 35 patients who underwent MR hnaging because of st~spected stress fractures. MR findings were correlated with total duxation of sYm4~toms; the time to retm'n to sports activity, and findings'at follow-up radiog-• raphy~ :Results. The MR imaging finding of a "fracture" or "fatigue" line or a cortical signal intensity abnormality was predictive of a longer symptomatic period, whereas muscle edema was predictive of a shorter symptomatic w~riod. A published ~-ading system could be used in only 24 patients;, the ]VIR imaging grade of injury did not show correlation with clinical outcome, ' ~-, Conclusion. The MR imaging finding Of either a medullar~ line or a cortical abnormality %~ to indicate a ,more severe stress iiijury of bone: A pre-ciously,put~ , lished MR imaging grading system for stress injuries' of' the tibia was nOVprognostic in this more heterogeneous . patient group.

The medial portion of the spring ligament can be reliably assessed on routine MRI. The findings of spring ligament insufficiency on MRI are only moderately sensitive but highly specific.

In this article, the authors illustrate the contributions of incidental magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) to the signal characteristics of patellar cartilage on routine, multiplanar fast spin-echo (FSE) images. Incidental MTC diminishes the signal of patellar cartilage by 30% on routine FSE scans. Spectral fat saturation does not significantly increase incidental MTC on multislice FSE acquisitions. By increasing the contrast between synovial fluid and patellar cartilage, incidental MTC may account for greater conspicuousness of chondromalacia on FSE as compared to conventional spin-echo images. Incidental MTC may also alter or obscure the normal, laminar appearance of hyaline cartilage on short-TE, FSE images.

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Gout is a metabolic disorder in which there is hyperuricemia caused by an increase in production or a decrease in excretion of uric acid. Long-lasting hyperuricemia causes the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and soft tissues, triggering gouty arthritis and, if not properly treated, the formation of gouty tophi. The diagnosis of gout is usually based on clinical presentation and laboratory examinations, long before any abnormality can be demonstrated with imaging. Radiography is the primary imaging modality used in the initial evaluation of gouty arthritis. Ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and nuclear medicine are seldom necessary. Occasionally a tophus has an unusual presentation and simulates neoplasm or infection prompting the utilization of cross-sectional imaging for further evaluation and surgical planning. Cross-sectional imaging is also used in areas that are difficult to visualize on radiographs such as spine, sacroiliac joints, and soft tissues.

Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as MR arthrography (MRA) have been important diagnostic tools to assess for a spectrum of clinical presentations related to the hip. MRA has allowed the radiologist to closely examine intracapsular structures such as the acetabular labrum. In this article, we provide a general review of soft tissue and osseous anatomy of hips, especially focusing on the MR appearances of the acetabular labrum and the osseous morphology of the greater trochanter and ischial tuberosity with their muscle and tendon attachments. In addition, current topics in recent literature will be discussed such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and rotator cuff tears of the hip.