Magnetic resonance imaging of an equine fracture model containing stainless steel metal implants.

The research explores the usage of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called multiacquisition variable resonance image combination (MAVRIC) to assess post-operative equine patients with metal implants, such as stainless steel. The paper compares the effectiveness of MAVRIC with other techniques (narrow receiver bandwidth (NBW) and wide receiver bandwidth (WBW) fast spin echo (FSE)), finding that MAVRIC outperforms them, reducing artefacts surrounding the implants and providing better visibility of the area.

Objective of the Research

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of different MRI techniques (MAVRIC, NBW FSE and WBW FSE) in providing clear images of an equine model with a fracture and metallic implants. The success of these methods was evaluated based on their ability to offer accurate and detailed anatomical visualization without distortion from the metal implants.

Research Methodology

• The study was a nonrandomised in vitro experiment involving nine cadaveric distal limbs with fractures and stainless steel orthopaedic implants in the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx.
• Each of the three sequences: MAVRIC, NBW FSE, and WBW FSE were performed on the cadaveric limbs.
• The effectiveness of the techniques was assessed by measuring the total artefact area in each transverse image as a percentage of the total anatomic area.
• The techniques were also evaluated based on the number of transverse images in which fracture lines were visible.
• Lastly, subjective assessment was made on the clarity of regional soft tissue obtained through each method.

Research Findings

• Results showed that MAVRIC provided improved overall anatomic delineation compared to NBW FSE.
• Furthermore, MAVRIC was superior in offering clearer visibility of structures closest to the metal implants compared to both NBW FSE and WBW FSE.
• Regarding the total artefact area, MAVRIC had the lowest amount while NBW FSE had the highest.
• In terms of visible fracture lines, MAVRIC offered the highest count, with NBW FSE providing the lowest.

Conclusion

From the findings, the study suggests that MAVRIC and WBW FSE hold potential in mitigating implant-related artefacts in MRI scans when imaging horses with metal implants. The MAVRIC technique in particular outperformed the other techniques, revealing a clearer depiction of post-operative equine patients with metallic implants, thereby potentially improving diagnostic accuracy.