Magnetic resonance imaging of the extremities

MRI offers the best soft-tissue contrast of any radiographic modality. It provides better delineation of soft-tissue tumors and bone tumors than CT, but several different pulse sequences may be needed to make optimum use of this potential. MRI is also well suited to evaluation of abnormalities of the bone marrow, as it is not subject to the dense bone artifact that may occur with CT. Changes in signal intensity may be used to gain some appreciation of blood flow in the major vessels. Examples of each of these applications are discussed.