Zero-echo time (ZTE) and fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) on 3-T MRI for the...

Detailed depiction of bony structures on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is difficult and the modality is inferior to computerized tomography (CT) for showing bony injuries, ossification and calcification. Novel sequences such as zero-echo time (ZTE) and fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) may overcome the weak points of conventional MRI. The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of these sequences on 3.0-T MRI for imaging the cervical spine.

ZTE and FRACTURE images were obtained from 3.0-T scans for three representative cases of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, retro-odontoid pseudotumor, and fracture in the cervical spine and compared with CT.

FRACTURE images were superior to ZTE images in both of 2D images and 3D images reconstructed from 2D images. But, both ZTE and FRACTURE images from 3.0-T scans could take the place of CT and fused images reconstructed from 2D images and MR angiography could be used instead of CT angiography.

High-resolution MRI sequences may completely replace CT and appear very useful when surgical strategies are considered for patients with allergies to contrast agents or renal failure for whom use of contrast agents is contraindicated. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 266-271, August, 2025.