[Kinematic magnetic resonance tomography in functional disorders of joints and vertebral articulations].

Abstract

Imaging studies of peripheral joints and of vertebral junctions are of major importance in the diagnosis of many degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Radiograms with flexion and extension views are regarded as standard for diagnosing abnormalities of the spine, the patello-femoral joint, and other articulations. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), kinematic studies can be performed analogously. With high gradient field strengths and in-phase and opposed-phase gradient echo sequences it is possible to study the motion of joints continuously. First results show that this technique may be added to static magnetic resonance imaging sequences in certain cases with hypermobility or instability of the knee and other major joints.