A low-field MR system in acute traumatological imaging in radiology. Technical note

In this paper initial clinical observations with the application of a new low-field MR system in acute musculoskeletal imaging in radiology are presented.

This system is designed as a three-sided open permanent magnet with a revolving table. Main magnetic field strength is 0.2 T, maximal gradient field strength 20 mT/m, and minimal gradient rise time is 800 microseconds. First clinical experiences in 25 patients with acute trauma of peripheral joints were obtained. The following sequences were applied: gradient-echo (GRE) STIR, T1-weighted spin-echo, and PD- and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo. Correlation with the findings of high-field MR (1.5 T), plain radiograms (including stress views), CT or ultrasound was available in each patient confirming the low-field diagnoses. Furthermore, phantom measurements were performed to verify the spatial resolution of the system for some sequences with typical measurement parameters.

This low-field system has several advantages: fast and economic installation, limited required space, easy operation, and high patient comfort. The medical benefit of such a system integrated in the traumatological suite of a radiological department seems to be evident due to the impact on the early initiation of the correct therapy which avoids additional diagnostic procedures and therefore may reduce costs. Implementation of such a system may be useful, if installation of an additional high-field scanner is not possible due to economic considerations.