# Improving osteoarticular characterization in magnetic resonance imaging: the role of simulated computed tomography sequences

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a new MRI technique called FRACTURE that improves bone imaging but has limitations in patients with metal implants.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the FRACTURE sequence as a practical MRI technique for enhanced bone assessment.

## Key findings

- FRACTURE sequences improve tissue contrast for bone assessment in MRI.
- The technique is limited in patients with metallic implants due to metal artifacts.
- FRACTURE is useful for diagnosing osteoarticular infections, arthritis, and fractures.

## Abstract

Increasing tissue contrast for bone assessment on magnetic resonance imaging has
been the aim of several recent studies, and various techniques have been
proposed for that purpose, including ultrashort echo time sequences, zero echo
time sequences, and gradient echo sequences in various acquisition forms. In
this article, we discuss the fast field echo resembling a computed tomography
using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) sequence, which we have started to use
routinely in our practice. The FRACTURE sequences are based on the acquisition
of gradient echo sequences with different echo times and specific
postprocessing. Gradient echo sequences are widely available on magnetic
resonance imaging scanners, which is an advantage for the use of a FRACTURE
sequence. However, being more susceptible to metal artifacts, a FRACTURE
sequence is of limited utility in patients with metallic implants or medical
devices. The aim of this article is to illustrate the use of FRACTURE sequences
in various contexts, including osteoarticular infection, inflammatory
arthropathy, bone tumors, fractures, and crystal deposition diseases.