Normal MR imaging anatomy of the wrist and hand.

MR imaging is widely used in the evaluation of internal derangement of joints. In the past, the use of hand and wrist MR imaging lagged behind imaging of larger joints,largely because of technical limitations of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio when imaging the small anatomic structures. However, with recent technical advances in extremity coil design, MR imaging has provided us with new insights into the difficult anatomy of the wrist by allowing improved visualization of the relationship of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bone. Although the limits of spatial resolution afforded by specialized surface coils and signal processing methods may not have yet been completely realized at 1.5 Tesla, the potential for significant improvements in hand and wrist imaging is likely to rest with the advent of higher strength magnets.

Common injuries related to weightlifting: MR imaging perspective.

Weightlifting has evolved to become a ubiquitous form of exercise. Resistance training has been shown to have beneficial effects on both muscle and osseous maintenance and development. Competitive weightlifting sports continue to enjoy tremendous popularity, with participants striving to establish new standards in performance and more demanding personal goals. Thus, it is not surprising that we have also seen an increase in injuries related to weightlifting. Many of these injuries are radiographically occult and are best suited for evaluation by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging because many involve the soft tissues. In this article, we discuss some of the factors that contribute to these injuries and address the mechanisms of injury and the MR imaging manifestations of the more common injuries.

Anterior chest pain: musculoskeletal considerations.

The clinical symptom of anterior chest pain generally elicits a long list of diagnoses. When cardiac and pleural conditions are excluded, conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system become important considerations. Many of these conditions have characteristic imaging features that allow accurate diagnosis. In others, the imaging findings can be instrumental in directing the appropriate course of action. This article reviews the imaging features of a number of musculoskeletal entities that present with anterior chest pain including traumatic, rheumatologic, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic conditions.

Normal MR imaging anatomy of the wrist and hand.

MR imaging is widely used in the evaluation of internal derangement of joints. In the past, the use of hand and wrist MR imaging lagged behind imaging of larger joints, largely because of technical limitations of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio when imaging the small anatomic structures. However, with recent technical advances in extremity coil design, MR imaging has provided us with new insights into the difficult anatomy of the wrist by allowing improved visualization of the relationship of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bone. Although the limits of spatial resolution afforded by specialized surface coils and signal processing methods may not have yet been completely realized at 1.5 Tesla, the potential for significant improvements in hand and wrist imaging is likely to rest with the advent of higher strength magnets.