Dynamic and Functional Imaging of the Musculoskeletal System

Historically, radiology has been a morphologic specialty. This is why radiology historically has been much more in tune with surgeons, than with other physicians. First in neuroradiology and now increasingly with musculoskeletal radiology, imaging is becoming a physiologic weapon in the understanding of the natural history of disease and of medical interventions. This is why we have selected functional imaging for this issue. We have selected Dr. Gold as the editor because we can think of no one better to evaluate the scientific aspects of the cutting edge of musculoskeletal MRImagnetic resonance imaging.

Functional imaging includes all assessments of the physiology and pathophysiology of a structure. In the musculoskeletal system these include both physiology as well as and mechanics. Dynamic imaging implies studying temporal changes of that structure; usually those temporal changes occur while the imaging study is being performed.

The first chapter in this issue deals with an overview of dynamic and functional musculoskeletal imaging. The second and third chapters deal with the dynamic capabilities of imaging; the first are while looking at joints in motion and, second, examining the weight bearing spine. The fourth chapter is an excellent segue between dynamic imaging and functional imaging because imaging muscle motion involves both assessing function as well as and assessing temporal changes. The next three chapters deal with purely functional imaging, one on with T ₂ mapping, one on with BOLD imaging, and one on with molecular imaging.

We personally would like to thank the authors of this issue because these topics are extremely up-to-date and are being rapidly applied to musculoskeletal imaging. We believe in the future functional imaging will make up a large portion of the musculoskeletal imaging armamentarium. The techniques described herein, and likely many others that will develop over time, will form the future foundation of our subspecialty.

Again we want to personally thank all the authors, in particular Garry Gold for putting together this stellar issue.