Accelerated 3D IR-FS-UTE Knee Imaging with High Short-T2 Contrast in Less Than 5 minutes

Motivation: 3D DIR-UTE can provide high short T2 contrast that is useful in knee imaging, however with a prohibited long acquisition time. Goal(s): The goal is to maintain high short-T2 contrast while significantly reducing the acquisition time. Approach: The approach involves employing an accelerated IR-prepared fat-saturation UTE sequence along with advanced compressive sensing reconstruction. Results: This approach achieved a threefold acceleration without sacrificing image quality and produced high short-T2 contrast, making structures like the meniscus and ligament clearly visible. Impact: This technique holds potential for various musculoskeletal applications, such as in the early detection of conditions such as osteochondral junction alterations, osteoarthritis and meniscal tears.