Modified technique for imaging the wrist and elbow in obese and claustrophobic patients using a non-open standard MRI scanner.

Abstract

It is challenging to image extremely obese and claustrophobic patients using a standard, non-open, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. On the other hand, installing an additional upright or open MRI scanner may not be cost-effective for most practices. Our technique with a patient in a sitting or standing position behind the standard MRI scanner may be helpful in the MR examination of the wrist/elbow in these patients using a standard wrist/elbow coil. We performed wrist and elbow MRI of extremely obese and claustrophobic patients by using our modified technique with the patient sitting or standing outside the standard non-open MRI scanner. A total number of 20 cases with the following diagnosis were examined: triquetral and scaphoid bone contusions and fractures, scapholunate ligament tears, triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, and biceps tear. Comparison of image quality for diagnostic information between the standard technique and our technique showed no significant difference, which is necessary for making the diagnosis. Our technique enables wrist and elbow imaging of extremely obese and claustrophobic patients who cannot otherwise be imaged using a standard MRI scanner without compromising the image quality that is essential for making a diagnosis.