1H MR imaging of anatomical compartments within the finger flexor muscles of the human forearm

Abstract

Fast T2-weighted 1H MRI following exercise allows investigation of the location of muscle fiber activity within skeletal muscle. Using this method, we have demonstrated that the finger flexor muscles of the human forearm consist of anatomical compartments, located at various depths, which are involved individually in flexion of the index, middle, or ring and little fingers. The results of this study indicate that the exercise protocol in 31P MRS studies of the finger flexor muscles of the human forearm, in which a small surface coil is used for detection, should be carefully reviewed.