MRI-guided interventions of the musculoskeletal system.

MRI has become the modality of choice for many diagnostic questions in musculoskeletal radiology. Naturally, with the increasing role of MRI in diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, clinicians have been eager to explore the possibility of using MR guidance for musculoskeletal procedures. Researchers are actively investigating the utility and practicality of MRI compared with more established modalities for procedure guidance such as computed tomography, fluoroscopy, and ultrasound. Early studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of MR guidance for biopsies, spine procedures, cyst aspirations, therapeutic injections, and tumor ablation. Applications in the musculoskeletal system are likely to expand as technology improves and clinicians gain more experience. Hybrid X-ray fluoroscopy/MR imaging systems hold great promise for the future of musculoskeletal intervention by combining the excellent temporal and spatial resolution of X-ray with the anatomic detail provided by MRI. (Copyright) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.