Sequence types

The exact appearance of an MR image is determined by the timing of the various radiofrequency and magnetic field gradient pulses used to collect the data, collectively known as the imaging sequence. Different sequences generate images that show fat (eg in bone) and water (eg oedema) at different brightnesses

A full range of sequences is available using the Hallmarq system, including T1 and T2 weighted gradient echo and fast spin echo images, and fat suppressed STIR images. All sequence types are available with motion detection and correction to assist scanning the higher joints.

T1 Weighted Sequence

Optimised for visualisation of anatomical structures 

Typical Tissue Appearances Cartilage / Blood Vessels - Bright white Fat / Bone / Fibrous Tissues - Light Water / Synovial Fluids - Grey Tendon / Ligaments - Dark grey Cortical Bone - Black

T2/T2* weighted image

Typical Tissue Appearances Cartilage / Synovial fluid - Bright Fat / Bone / Fibrous Tissues - Light Grey Ligaments - Grey Tendon - Dark grey Cortical bone - Dark

STIR Sequence

Optimised for visualisation of inflammation in bone

Typical Tissue Appearances Synovial fluid / Water - Bright Fibrous Tissues - Light grey Fat - Dark grey Ligaments - Grey Tendon / Cortical bone - Dark grey