[Experience with NMR tomography of the skeletal system]

The value of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tomography in the skeleton is analysed in 27 patients who had been examined by a prototype NMR scanner (resistive magnet, 0.2 Tesla). Anatomical structures and detail can be seen using the spin-echo mode and brief sequences. There is marked contrast difference between normal and abnormal tissues. Pathological changes lead to marked alterations in relaxation times. Inflammatory conditions, tumours and aseptic bone necrosis are demonstrated with a high degree of sensitivity. Tomography in the three geometric planes, with any desired additional plane, shows the extent and localisation of bone abnormalities.