Emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) trauma is commonly encountered in the emergency department. Computed tomography and radiography are the main forms of imaging assessment, but the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become more common in the emergency room (ER) setting for evaluation of low-velocity/sports-related injury and high-velocity injury. The superior soft tissue contrast and detail provided by MR imaging gives clinicians a powerful tool in the management of acute MSK injury in the ER. This article provides an overview of techniques and considerations when using MR imaging in the evaluation of some of the common injuries seen in the ER setting.

Keywords: Fracture; Internal derangement knee; Ligament injury; MR imaging; Morel-Lavalléelesion; Musculoskeletal trauma; Osteochondral defects; Tendon injury.