Modern low-field MRI

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Background:

• High-field MRI (1.5T and 3T) has been the clinical standard due to superior resolution.
• Low-field MRI (≤1T) historically had limitations but is now advancing.
• Technological progress is making low-field MRI a viable alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in low-field MRI for musculoskeletal radiology.
• To discuss the hardware, applications, and diagnostic performance of modern low-field MRI.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of these systems.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on low-field MRI in musculoskeletal imaging.
• Analysis of advancements in hardware: magnets, gradients, and radiofrequency coils.
• Summary of clinical applications and diagnostic performance for pathologies like ligament/tendon injuries and osteoarthritis.
• Inclusion of author experiences with a modern low-field MRI system over three years.

Main Results:

• Modern low-field MRI systems demonstrate improved image quality and reduced artifacts.
• Diagnostic performance is promising for various musculoskeletal conditions.
• Low-field MRI offers enhanced cost-effectiveness and accessibility, especially for resource-limited settings.

Conclusions:

• Modern low-field MRI holds significant clinical potential in musculoskeletal radiology.
• Challenges and future research directions are identified.
• These systems provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals adopting new imaging technologies.