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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease
Published on: December 18, 2016
High-resolution interleaved water-fat MR imaging of finger joints with chemical-shift elimination
Wingchi E Kwok1, Zhigang You, Gwysuk Seo
1Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA. edmund_kwok@urmc.rochester.edu
Purpose:
To study the use of an interleaved water-fat (IWF) sequence with a custom-made radiofrequency (RF) coil for high-resolution imaging of arthritic finger joints.
Materials And Methods:
High-resolution finger magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using a custom-made dedicated RF receiver coil and an IWF sequence. A phantom, a cadaver finger specimen, and the fingers of two normal controls and six arthritic subjects were imaged with a resolution of 156 × 156 × 600 microm. The appearance of anatomic structures on the IWF images were compared with images acquired with a regular sequence. The images were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists for the depiction of anatomical structures and for the presence of abnormalities.
Results:
The high-resolution images revealed detailed structures of the finger joints not detectable using typical clinical resolution. The IWF sequence gave more realistic depiction of subchondral bone thickness, and avoided false bone erosions displayed in the regular sequence. It also allowed better visualization of ligaments and tendons.
Conclusion:
This pilot study shows the feasibility and the potential usefulness of high-resolution IWF imaging for finger joint evaluation. This technique may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment assessment of arthritis, and for the study of joint disease pathogenesis.
Insights
High-resolution interleaved water-fat (IWF) imaging with a custom radiofrequency (RF) coil improves visualization of finger joints. This technique offers better detail for diagnosing arthritis and studying joint diseases.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Arthritis significantly impacts finger joint function.
- Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques may lack the resolution for detailed assessment of early arthritic changes.
- Advanced imaging sequences are needed for precise evaluation of finger joint structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of an interleaved water-fat (IWF) sequence combined with a custom radiofrequency (RF) coil for high-resolution imaging of finger joints.
- To assess the feasibility of this technique for visualizing arthritic finger joints.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution finger MRI was performed using a custom RF coil and an IWF sequence.
- Imaging was conducted on a phantom, cadaver specimen, normal controls, and arthritic subjects at 156 × 156 × 600 microm resolution.
- Images were compared to those from a standard sequence and reviewed by musculoskeletal radiologists.
Main Results:
- The IWF sequence provided superior visualization of finger joint structures compared to standard sequences.
- Detailed anatomical features, including subchondral bone thickness, were more accurately depicted.
- The IWF sequence reduced false positives for bone erosions and improved visualization of ligaments and tendons.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution IWF imaging with a custom RF coil is feasible for finger joint evaluation.
- This technique shows potential for improving the diagnosis and treatment assessment of arthritis.
- It may also aid in understanding the pathogenesis of joint diseases.
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