Advances in Musculoskeletal Imaging: The Potential of Wireless Metasurface Coils.

Motivation: Musculoskeletal imaging (MSK) traditionally employs specific coil designs for distinct anatomical areas. Metasurface coils (MC) are innovative, light-weighted, and wireless coils promising for MSK imaging. Goal(s): Primary objective of the MC was similar image quality but better patient comfort compared to standard coils. Approach: Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) in elbow, knee, foot and hand imaging of conventional coils were compared with the MC. Results: The MC showed improvement in SNR values for hand and foot. Imaging of knee and elbow was improved as well, but with less SNR near the spine coil. The MC's design streamlined positioning, maneuverability and can improve patient comfort. Impact: Metasurface coils promise transformative benefits for future musculoskeletal imaging, matching the image quality of standard coils with increased flexibility and patient comfort. Their versatility allows compatibility across MRI vendors, only depending on the field strength of the designated coil.