Technical note: MRI device for active stress of the knee. The practical approach and preliminary data

Abstract

The preliminary data regarding this new MR method, performed using the Knee Loader prototype, demonstrate that it is possible to obtain functional images of the knee comparable with those obtained by traditional radiological techniques. Its potential advantage lies in the fact that, given the absence of ionising radiation, the investigation can be repeated as necessary, ensuring anatomical visualisation of all joint components under stress.

Clinical feasibility of a magnetic resonance tracking system to guide the position of the scan plane during physiologic joint motion

“…However the images obtained were regarded to be of sufficient quality to demonstrate the osteoarticular relationships for evaluating joint biomechanics. MR images of better quality to evaluate joints under stress can be obtained using static MR imaging with spin-echo T1-weighted sequences and nonmagnetic devices applying stress to joints [18]. Using one external MR tracker coil, images could only be obtained in the three orthogonal planes relative to the magnetic field of the vertically open MR unit, which may be less appropriate for certain joint motions (Fig.…”