Role of magnetic resonance imaging in musculoskeletal trauma.

The unique ability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to visualize injuries of bone, cartilage, bone marrow, and supporting soft tissue structure makes it ideally suited for the evaluation of musculoskeletal trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging also offers exquisitely detailed anatomical information on the musculoskeletal system. The widespread availability of MR imaging and the constantly improving technology make it the imaging modality of choice for the patients with a musculoskeletal trauma. This review discusses the role and applications of MR imaging for musculoskeletal trauma. It covers traumatic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including hemarthrosis, lipohemarthrosis, stress fracture, occult fractures, cartilage injuries, the muscle and tendon trauma, avulsion injuries, extensor mechanism injuries, and traumatic conditions of joints.