Musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging.

In the short time that MRI has been available, it has become apparent that one of the more important nonneurologic applications is in imaging the musculoskeletal system. MRI is effective at providing high-contrast images with acceptable spatial resolution for a variety of bone marrow disorders, soft tissue masses, osseous tumors, and muscle diseases. The multiplanar aspect of the method is a great advantage and promises to be a major reason why MRI will be selected instead of CT for many examinations. Currently, it appears that MRI is a leading method of detecting ischemic necrosis of the femoral head and determining the extent of soft tissue masses and bone tumors. Surface coil technology promises better resolution of small parts such as the wrist and temporomandibular joint. Phosphorous spectroscopy should make important contributions to our basic understanding of normal and altered muscle energy metabolism as well as providing a safe method of following the course and therapy of muscle diseases. It is anticipated that MRI will have an important position among the variety of imaging tests for musculoskeletal diseases.