Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging of the joints: techniques and clinical applications.

Recently, kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been developed to provide diagnostic information related to the functional aspects of the joints. The kinematic MRI evaluation of the joint is used to assess the various interactions of the soft tissues and bony anatomic structures that comprise the joint, and to evaluate the relative alignment of these structures through a specific range of motion. The use of kinematic MRI techniques for examination of the joints provides the radiologist and the clinician with augmented data of anatomic and movement-related information.