In-vivo Determination of Relaxation Times of Musculoskeletal Relevant Tissue at 1.5 T and 3 T

Purpose: The introduction of MR-systems with field strength of 3 T and higher is a logical step to achieve high-resolution images in-vivo. Musculoskeletal applications include imaging of small joints and morphologically complex and vulnerable structures such as articular cartilage. Optimization of image contrast requires knowledge of the relaxation times of the relevant tissues. Methods: Relaxation times T1, T2, and T2* were determined in the right knee of 9 healthy volunteers at 1.5 T (Magnetom Sonata, Siemens) and 3.0 T (Magnetom Trio, Siemens). Identical sequence parameters were applied at both units. An inve…