Method and apparatus for quantitative bone matrix imaging by magnetic resonance imaging

US7574248B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The General Hospital Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jerome L. Ackerman · Newton, US
• Melvin J. Glimcher · Boston, US
• Yaotang Wu · Watertown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 19, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 11, 2009
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/4816
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus and technique for measuring volumetric, 3-D bone organic matrix density is described. The techniques includes providing a first pulse sequence fragment selected to suppress at least two fluid resonance signals and providing a second pulse sequence fragment which images at least solid signals. In one embodiment, a series of RF pulses used to suppress fluid in the bone marrow spaces, particularly in cancellous bone tissue, is combined with solid state projection reconstruction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide a three-dimensional image of a bone in which the dominant signal arises substantially from solid organic bone matrix.