Functional assessment of the joints using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging.

Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were developed in recognition of the fact that certain pathologic conditions that affect the joints are position dependent or associated with stress or "loaded" conditions. Information obtained using kinematic MRI procedures often serves to definitively identify and characterize the underlying abnormality or to supplement the findings acquired with standard MRI techniques. To date, kinematic MRI methods have been applied to evaluate virtually every articulation. This article presents information for kinematic MRI applications applied to the temporomandibular and patellofemoral joints, with a discussion of the normal kinematics and pathokinematics seen using these unique imaging procedures. Other kinematic MRI procedures applied to the ankle, wrist, cervical spine, shoulder, and lumbar spine are briefly discussed.