7T imaging of the wrist

Abstract

Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging provides a high signal-to-noise ratio and thus is expected to be superior to 1.5T and 3T MR systems that are currently used in daily routine. For use in the musculoskeletal system, expectations are high, particularly for smaller joints such as the wrist, because of the small size of the visualized anatomical structures, where high spatial resolution imaging is mandatory. However, there are technical challenges associated with ultra-high-field MR, and much of the necessary basic research has been done. This article reviews the literature of the past 10 years of research in this field, which reveals a promising pattern of continuing improvements and further developments. For this reason, it is likely that, in the near future, studies with larger study populations and more clinically driven research questions will follow.