Promising outcomes of hip replacement interventions in this era of aging populations have led to higher demands for hip arthroplasty procedures. These require effective methods and techniques for the detection of postoperative outcomes and complications. Based on the presence or absence of radiographic findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) may be required to detect and further characterize different causes of failing implants. Yet metal-related artifacts degrade image quality and pose significant challenges for adequate image quality. To mitigate such artifacts in MRI, a set of techniques, collectively known as metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI, were developed that optimize the framework of the conventional pulse sequences and exploit novel multispectral and multispatial imaging methods such as Slice Encoding for Metal Artifact Correction (SEMAC) and Multi-Acquisition Variable-Resonance Image Combination (MAVRIC). Metal-induced artifacts on CT can be effectively reduced with virtual monochromatic reconstruction of dual-energy CT data sets, metal artifact reduction reconstruction algorithms, and postprocessing image visualization techniques.

Advances in surgical techniques, orthopaedic implant design, and higher demands for improved functionality of the aging population have resulted in a high prevalence of patients with metallic implants about the knee. Total knee arthroplasty, knee-replacing tumor prostheses, and osteosynthesis implants create various imaging artifacts and pose special challenges for the imaging evaluation with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT artifacts can be effectively mitigated with metal artifact reduction reconstruction algorithms, dual-energy data acquisition with virtual monoenergetic extrapolation, and three-dimensional postprocessing techniques, such as volume and cinematic rendering. Artifacts related to metal implants on MRI can be reduced via optimization of the scan parameters and using advanced techniques such as multi-acquisition variable-resonance image combination, and slice encoding for metal artifact correction.

The vast majority of the metal-related artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arise from B0 inhomogeneity. These artifacts include failed fat suppression, signal loss, signal pileup, and image distortions. Metal artifact reduction sequence MRI has been used to mitigate these artifacts via optimization of the scan parameters and exploiting new techniques such as fully phase-encoded imaging and multispectral imaging including multi-acquisition variable-resonance image combination and slice encoding for metal artifact correction. Applicability of MRI in the vicinity of metal implants has been revolutionized by these new techniques at the expense of longer acquisition times. To reach clinically viable scan times, these novel techniques have been successfully coupled with various acceleration paradigms such as parallel imaging and compressed sensing.

Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a careful negotiation between spatial, temporal, and contrast resolution, which builds the foundation for diagnostic performance and value. Many aspects of musculoskeletal MRI can improve the image quality and increase the acquisition speed; however, 3.0-T field strength has the highest impact within the current diagnostic range. In addition to the favorable attributes of 3.0-T field strength translating into high temporal, spatial, and contrast resolution, many 3.0-T MRI systems yield additional gains through high-performance gradients systems and radiofrequency pulse transmission technology, advanced multichannel receiver technology, and high-end surface coils. Compared with 1.5 T, 3.0-T MRI systems yield approximately 2-fold higher signal-to-noise ratios, enabling 4 times faster data acquisition or double the matrix size. Clinically, 3.0-T field strength translates into markedly higher scan efficiency, better image quality, more accurate visualization of small anatomic structures and abnormalities, and the ability to offer high-end applications, such as quantitative MRI and magnetic resonance neurography. Challenges of 3.0-T MRI include higher magnetic susceptibility, chemical shift, dielectric effects, and higher radiofrequency energy deposition, which can be managed successfully. The higher total cost of ownership of 3.0-T MRI systems can be offset by shorter musculoskeletal MRI examinations, higher-quality examinations, and utilization of advanced MRI techniques, which then can achieve higher gains and value than lower field systems. We provide a practice-focused review of the value of 3.0-T field strength for musculoskeletal MRI, practical solutions to challenges, and illustrations of a wide spectrum of gainful clinical applications.