[MRI diagnosis of bone tumors]

Diagnosis of bone tumours is still based on plain films and, if necessary, computed tomography because crucial morphologic criteria such as ossification of tumour matrix, patterns of bone destruction and formation of new bone are not clearly visualized by MRI. Only in a few cases is MRI helpful for characterization of bone lesions. Although MRI is of limited value for differential diagnosis of bone tumours, it may be very helpful for planning of biopsy or surgery by virtue of its ability to demonstrate tumour extent and soft tissue changes. For local staging and follow-up of primary bone tumours MRI is clearly the method of choice. MRI strategy should be coordinated with clinical requirements in order to ensure optimum evaluation of tumour extent, effectiveness of chemotherapy and detection of local recurrence.