Comprehensive evaluation of wrist kinematics using 3D real-time MRI

Motivation: A thorough understanding of wrist kinematics and kinetics is essential for diagnosing and treating wrist pain and instability. Current MRI methods are limited to tracking just a few thick slices and therefore use hand supports to restrict motion to pre-selected, simplified orientations. Goal(s): To develop a 3D real-time MRI method at 0.55T for comprehensive evaluation of wrist kinematics. Approach: A bSSFP 3D stack-of-spiral sequence with long spiral readout was implemented for evaluating wrist kinematics during maneuvers. Results: Comprehensive 3D coverage at 10 frames/second was achieved without any restriction on wrist motion, providing measurements of ligament intervals in 3D and during active wrist motion. Impact: The proposed 3D real-time method can potentially improve diagnosis of wrist injury and dysfunction and treatment planning, by providing a unique 3D evaluation of wrist kinematics and kinetics during the performance of clinically-important maneuvers involved in activities of daily living.