ABSTRACT
In recent years, biomechanics researchers have increasingly used dynamic magnetic
resonance imaging techniques, such as cine phase contrast (cine PC), to study muscle
and bone motion in vivo. Magnetic resonance imaging provides a non-invasive tool to
visualize the anatomy and measure musculoskeletal tissue velocities during joint motion.
Current application of cine PC magnetic resonance imaging in biomechanics includes
study of knee joint kinematics, tendon strain, and skeletal muscle displacement and
shortening. This paper article reviews the use of cine PC magnetic resonance imaging
for quantification of skeletal muscle motion. The imaging studies presented examine
the relative motion of the knee flexor and extensor muscles after orthopedic surgery
and examine the uniformity of shortening within the biceps brachii muscle. The current
challenges and limitations of using cine PC magnetic resonance imaging in biomechanics
research are addressed as well as opportunities for future studies of skeletal muscle
motion using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.
KEYWORDS
Skeletal muscle - biomechanics - cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging