How I Do It: Three-Dimensional MR Neurography and Zero Echo Time MRI for Rendering of Peripheral Nerve and Bone

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Computational Anatomy

Background:

• MR neurography excels in soft tissue contrast for nerves.
• Zero echo time (ZTE) MRI provides excellent cortical bone contrast.
• Integrating nerve and bone imaging aids surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for fused rendering of peripheral nerves and bone.
• To combine 3D MR neurography and 3D ZTE MRI data.
• To demonstrate the clinical utility of this fused imaging technique.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of 3D MR neurography and 3D ZTE MRI sequences.
• Postprocessing using deep learning-based reconstruction.
• Fused rendering of nerve and bone structures.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of fused 3D renderings of peripheral nerves and bone.
• Demonstration of spatial relationships between nerves and bone structures.
• Clinical case examples illustrating the technique's application.

Conclusions:

• Fused rendering of MR neurography and ZTE MRI provides a valuable roadmap for surgical interventions.
• The described method enhances visualization for clinical decision-making.
• Further discussion on rendering challenges and future directions.