Fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE): a novel MRI technique with superior bone contrast.

Objective: Computerized tomography (CT) is the modality of choice for imaging bone; however, it utilizes ionizing radiation and suffers from poor soft-tissue contrast. Unlike CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent soft-tissue contrast but is limited in its ability to image bone. The objective of this study is to describe a new technical innovation which provides superior cortical and trabecular bone contrast on MRI.

Methods: FRACTURE (fast field echo resembling a CT using restricted echo-spacing), a 3D gradient echo pulse sequence with restricted echo-spacing combined with an automated post-processing, is described.

Results: Cases demonstrating the application and utility of this technique in diagnostic MRI performed for traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic, and developmental conditions in pediatric patients are presented.

Conclusions: The cortical and trabecular bone contrast generated by FRACTURE yields clinically relevant information for diagnosis and management of a subset of patients in whom it may potentially obviate the need for a preoperative CT scan.