Modern acceleration in musculoskeletal MRI: applications, implications, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast for musculoskeletal diagnostics.
• Traditional MRI sequences have long acquisition times, limiting patient access and comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in accelerated MRI techniques for musculoskeletal imaging.
• To discuss the benefits, challenges, and future directions of rapid MRI protocols.

Main Methods:

• Overview of acceleration techniques: parallel imaging (PI), simultaneous multi-slice acquisition (SMS), and compressed sensing (CS).
• Discussion of deep learning-based image reconstruction and superresolution algorithms.
• Analysis of impacts on workflow, costs, and technologist/radiologist workload.

Main Results:

• Acceleration techniques enable 3- to 6-fold faster musculoskeletal MRI scans (4-6 min for joints/spine).
• Potential for tenfold acceleration with combined techniques and deep learning in the future.
• Significant reduction in scan times (80-90%) compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• Accelerated MRI enhances patient access, comfort, and promotes sustainable imaging practices.
• Implementation requires workflow management but improves the value of musculoskeletal MRI.
• Future research combining acceleration, deep learning, and superresolution promises further speed increases.