High-resolution diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the human lumbosacral plexus and its branches based on a steady-state free precession imaging technique at 3T.

3D diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession imaging (3D DW-SSFP) with isotropic resolution was performed to delineate structures of the human lumbosacral plexus (LSP). 3D DW-SSFP clearly revealed detailed anatomy of the LSP and its branches. Our data suggest that the sequence based on 3D DW-SSFP can be used for high-resolution MR imaging of the peripheral nervous system.