Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology In Transtibial Socket Research: A Pilot Study

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Also Included In: MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 14 Apr 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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Investigations into the shape and volume of transtibial prosthetic sockets are complicated because of the difficulty in establishing an accurate reference grid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presents a possible solution to this problem.

However, the reliability of MRI in defining the residual limb/cast interface depends on the scanned image not being distorted by the materials present. Distortion from the so-called "chemical shift" may influence the MRI image when certain materials are used during the casting process. These materials include plaster of paris and silicone (in the form of an interface liner).

Experimental results indicated that the materials used do not distort or interfere with the scanned image and that extracting the bone structure and using it as a reference grid to quantify the differences in volume and shape of the soft tissues of the residual limb are feasible.

This article can be found in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development Volume 43, Number 7, Page 883

About the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD)

JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community.