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Magnetic resonance imaging of an equine fracture model containing stainless steel metal implants
Author(s) -
Pownder S. L.,
Koff M. F.,
Shah P. H.,
Fortier L. A.,
Potter H. G.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12424
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , soft tissue , medicine , cadaveric spasm , radiology , fast spin echo , biomedical engineering , nuclear medicine , anatomy
Summary Reasons for performing study Post operative imaging in subjects with orthopaedic implants is challenging across all modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) is preferred to assess human post operative musculoskeletal complications, as soft tissue and bones are evaluated without using ionising radiation. However, with conventional MRI pulse sequences, metal creates susceptibility artefact that distorts anatomy. Assessment of the post operative equine patient is arguably more challenging due to the volume of metal present, and MRI is often not performed in horses with implants. Novel pulse sequences such as multiacquisition variable resonance image combination ( MAVRIC ) now provide improved visibility in the vicinity of surgical‐grade implants and offer an option for imaging horses with metal implants. Objectives To compare conspicuity of regional anatomy in an equine fracture‐repair model using MAVRIC , narrow receiver bandwidth (NBW) fast spin echo ( FSE ), and wide receiver bandwidth ( WBW ) FSE sequences. Study design Nonrandomised in vitro experiment. Methods MAVRIC , NBW FSE and WBW FSE were performed on 9 cadaveric distal limbs with fractures and stainless steel implants in the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx. Objective measures of artefact reduction were performed by calculating the total artefact area in each transverse image as a percentage of the total anatomic area. The number of transverse images in which fracture lines were visible was tabulated for each sequence. Regional soft tissue conspicuity was assessed subjectively. Results Overall anatomic delineation was improved using MAVRIC compared with NBW FSE ; delineation of structures closest to the metal implants was improved using MAVRIC compared with WBW FSE and NBW FSE . Total artefact area was the highest for NBW FSE and lowest for MAVRIC ; the total number of transverse slices with a visible fracture line was highest in MAVRIC and lowest in NBW FSE . Conclusion MAVRIC and WBW FSE are feasible additions to minimise artefact around implants.