Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques in the evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an important modality for the preoperative and posttreatment evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors. In some cases, MR imaging is unable to offer information about the extension of tumoral necrosis and the presence of viable cells. Advanced MR imaging techniques are now used in association with conventional MR imaging to improve the diagnostic accuracy and the evaluation of treatment response. This article discusses each advanced MR imaging technique with regard to the clinical applications of tumor detection and characterization, differentiation of benign from malignant tumors and tumor tissue from nontumor tissue, and assessment of treatment response.