ROLE OF MRI IN EVALUATION OF MUSKULOSKELETAL TUMOURS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful technique in the detection, evaluation and staging of the musculoskeletal tumours. Its excellent soft tissue contrast and its capability to image in multiple planes provides signicant superiority over the other imaging techniques. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The main aim of study was to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis, management and follow up of musculoskeletal tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 patients suspected of musculoskeletal tumors referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, at MMIMSR, Mullana. All the studies were conducted on PHILIPS MULTIVA 1.5T and PHILIPS ACHIEVA 1.5T MRI machine which included T1 W turbo spin echo, T2W turbo spin echo and STIR/PDFS sequences. RESULTS: The result of the study showed that tenderness was the most common presenting complain seen in 46/50 cases (92.0%) followed by pain in another 45/50 cases (90.0%). In the current study 22 cases (44%) were found to be involved by benign lesions and 28 cases (56%) were found to be involved by malignant lesions. Among the benign osseous tumors, osteoid osteoma constituted 5/13 (38.4%) of cases, followed by osteochondroma 2/13 (15.3%) of cases. Majority of the malignant osseous tumors were ill dened lytic lesions with a wide zone of transition, with cortical breech and aggressive periosteal reaction. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that MR imaging has become a premier imaging modality to detect musculoskeletal tumors because of its excellent soft tissue contrast, its sensitivity to bone marrow & soft tissue oedema.