Magnetic resonance bone imaging: applications to vertebral lesions

Abstract

MR bone imaging is a recently introduced technique, that allows visualization of bony structures in good contrast against adjacent structures, like CT. Although CT has long been considered the modality of choice for bone imaging, MR bone imaging allows visualization of the bone without radiation exposure while simultaneously allowing conventional MR images to be obtained. Accordingly, MR bone imaging is expected as a new imaging technique for the diagnosis of miscellaneous spinal diseases. This review presents several sequences used in MR bone imaging including black bone imaging, ultrashort/zero echo time (UTE/ZTE) sequences, and T1-weighted 3D gradient-echo sequence. We also illustrate clinical cases in which spinal lesions could be effectively demonstrated on MR bone imaging, performed in most cases using a 3D gradient-echo sequence at our institution. The lesions presented herein include degenerative diseases, tumors and similar diseases, fractures, infectious diseases, and hemangioma. Finally, we discuss the differences between MR bone imaging and previously reported techniques, and the limitations and future perspectives of MR bone imaging.

Differences in Lumbopelvic Alignment in Adolescent Male Soccer Players With Bilateral and Unilateral Lumbar Bone Stress Injuries: An MRI Evaluation

“…Lumbar BSI was defined as positive if the participant had either BME on STIR images or a complete or incomplete fracture in the 3D LAVA mode. 1,26 The BSI side from L1 to L5 was recorded (bilateral or unilateral). In addition, the unilateral lumbar BSI was classified according to the kicking and pivoting sides based on the main leg used during soccer shooting.…”

Cartilaginous endplate coverage of developmental Schmorl’s node and the relevance of this in Schmorl’s node etiology-based classification

“…We postulate that SNd is with cartilaginous endplate coverage, and SNa is without intact cartilaginous endplate coverage. Nowadays, ultra-short time-to-echo (UTE) MRI technique can clearly demonstrate cartilaginous endplate ( 3 - 8 ). We recently systematically searched and checked the published spine UTE-MR image with SN, and it appears that the available evidence supports this hypothesis ( 9 - 15 ) ( Figures 2-6 ).…”