Magnetic resonance imaging of the musculo-skeletal system

MRI is likely to be one of the safest methods of extracting information from the human body. High contrast high resolution images depend on tissue relaxation times which reflect fundamental differences in tissue properties. The versatility to obtain a wide spectrum of information combined with the ability to image in any plane with no apparent hazard makes the technique an exciting advance for radiology and confirms that this is the "Golden Age of Radiology”. Newer developments in magnetic design and sophistication as well as further technological advances, with soft ware up-dates and alternative acquisition sequences will definitely increase the applications of MRI to musculo-skeletal disease.peer-reviewe