Three-dimensional Fourier transform MR imaging of the knee with multiplanar reformations

Routine MR imagining of the knee provides information from three orthogonal planes (sagittal, coronal, and axial) and requires three separate acquisition sequences. This prolongs imaging time and limits information to the plane of acquisition. The authors have employed an imaging and postprocessing method that provides routine orthogonal planes with the option to create oblique and curved cross-sectional images with only one acquisition sequence. MR data are acquired in a 3DFT volumetric mode in the sagittal plane by means of 1-mm section thickness with a TR/TE 35/15, field of view of 16 cm, a 256 x 256 matrix, and a flip angle of 30 degrees. Acquired images are transferred to an independent work station and reformatted into all three orthogonal planes at 5-mm section thickness