New Techniques in MR Imaging of the Ankle and Foot

Abstract

Foot and ankle disorders are common in everyday clinical practice. MR imaging is frequently required for diagnosis given the variety and complexity of foot and ankle anatomy. Although conventional MR imaging plays a significant role in diagnosis, contemporary management increasingly relies on advanced imaging for monitoring therapeutic response. There is an expanding need for identification of biomarkers for musculoskeletal tissues. Advanced imaging techniques capable of imaging these tissue substrates will be increasingly used in routine clinical practice. Radiologists should therefore become familiar with these innovative MR techniques. Many such techniques are already widely used in other organ systems.

Keywords: 3D isotropic MR imaging; Ankle; Diffusion-weighted imaging; MR imaging; MR neurography; Quantitative MR imaging; Sodium MR; Ultrashort TE.