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Similarly to soft tissue tumours, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification categorises bone tumours based on their similarity to normal adult tissue. The most recent WHO classification provides an updated classification scheme that integrates the biological behaviour of bone tumours, particularly cartilage-forming tumours, and tumours are now further subdivided as benign, intermediate (locally aggressive or rarely metastasising), and malignant. Radiologists play an important role in the detection and initial characterisation of bone tumours, with careful analysis of their matrix mineralisation, location, and overall anatomic extent including extra-compartmental extension and neurovascular invasion. Radiography remains central to the detection and characterisation of bone tumours; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ideal modality for local staging. This review will discuss the most recent updates to the WHO classification of bone tumours that are relevant to radiologists in routine clinical practice. The utility of advanced MRI sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced sequences, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy that may provide insight into the biological behaviour of various bone tumours is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although postcontrast imaging has been used for many years in musculoskeletal imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI is not routinely used in many centers around the world. Unlike conventional contrast-enhanced sequences, DCE-MRI allows the evaluation of the temporal pattern of enhancement in the musculoskeletal system, perhaps best known for its use in oncologic applications (such as differentiating benign from malignant tumors, evaluating for treatment response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and differentiating postsurgical changes from residual tumor). However, DCE-MRI can also be used to evaluate inflammatory processes such as Charcot foot and synovitis, and evaluate bone perfusion in entities like Legg Calve Perthes disease and arthritis. Finally, vascular abnormalities and associated complications may be better characterized with DCE-MRI than conventional imaging. The goal of this article is to review the applications and technical aspects of DCE-MRI in the musculoskeletal system.Level Of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:875-890. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a fast, non-contrast technique that is readily available and easy to integrate into an existing imaging protocol. DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping offers a quantitative metric for soft tissue evaluation and provides information regarding the cellularity of a region of interest. There are several available methods of performing DWI, and artifacts and pitfalls must be considered when interpreting DWI studies. This review article will review the various techniques of DWI acquisition and utility of qualitative as well as quantitative methods of image interpretation, with emphasis on optimal methods for ADC measurement. The current clinical applications for DWI are primarily related to oncologic evaluation: For the assessment of de novo soft tissue masses, ADC mapping can serve as a useful adjunct technique to routine anatomic sequences for lesion characterization as cyst or solid and, if solid, benign or malignant. For treated soft tissue masses, the role of DWI/ADC mapping in the assessment of treatment response as well as recurrent or residual neoplasm in the setting of operative management is discussed, especially when intravenous contrast medium cannot be given. Emerging DWI applications for non-neoplastic clinical indications are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital nerves are intrinsic to the sensory and motor function of the hand. These nerves represent the terminal ramifications of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves and are located distal to the carpal tunnel and Guyon canal. With magnetic resonance imaging, traumatic and nontraumatic abnormalities of the digital nerves can be shown with high contrast as well as high spatial resolution. Digital nerve abnormalities are most commonly posttraumatic in nature; however, infection, inflammatory, vascular malformations, and neoplasms can rarely occur. Magnetic resonance imaging is playing an increasing role in the assessment of peripheral nerve injury throughout the body, and in the hand, which can accurately identify the extent and character of digital nerve abnormalities before operative intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]