Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is most commonly used to produce three-dimensional (3D) models
for evaluating bone and joint morphology in clinical practice. However, 3D models
created from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data can be equally effective for comprehensive
and accurate assessment of osseous and soft tissue structure morphology and pathology.
The quality of 3D MRI models has steadily increased over time, with growing potential
to replace 3D CT models in various musculoskeletal (MSK) applications. In practice,
a single MRI examination for two-dimensional and 3D assessments can increase the value
of MRI and simplify the pre- and postoperative imaging work-up. Multiple studies have
shown excellent performance of 3D MRI models in shoulder injuries, in the hip in the
setting of femoroacetabular impingement, and in the knee for the creation of bone
surface models. Therefore, the utility of 3D MRI postprocessed models is expected
to continue to rise and broaden in applications. Computer-based and artificial intelligence–assisted
postprocessing techniques have tremendous potential to improve the efficiency of 3D
model creation, opening many research avenues to validate the applicability of 3D
MRI and establish 3D-specific quantitative assessment criteria. We provide a practice-focused
overview of 3D MRI acquisition strategies, postprocessing techniques for 3D model
creation, MSK applications of 3D MRI models, and an illustration of cases from our
daily clinical practice.
Keywords
Imaging - three-dimensional - magnetic resonance imaging - musculoskeletal diseases
- orthopaedics
