Multi Planar Imaging: Anatomical Variation Around the Ischial Tuberosity During SittingUsing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to determine the capability of seated magnetic resonance imaging to visualise anatomy around the ischial tuberosity involved in sitting. Clear visualisation of anatomy enabled understanding of the anatomical variation across normal and spinal cord injury subjects.MethodsMultiplanar T1 weighted thin slice magnetic resonance imaging was carriedout in 3 subjects with spinal cord injury and 4 people without spinal cord injuries, seated in a FONAR 0.6T system. The images were scored for anatomical visualisation, anatomical variation between subjects, and percentage of fat voxels within the gluteus maximus.ResultsSeated magnetic resonance imaging was able to visualise the majority of anatomy around the ischial tuberosity, however, there was significant anatomical variation between all subjects regardless of their spinal cord injury status. It was also shown that mechanical support for sitting is provided by a variety of soft tissues, including gluteus maximus, subcutaneous fat and skin, although the amount and type varied significantly.ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging was shown to be capable of producing high resolution anatomical data of the anatomy involved in sitting. This data may be used to inform clinicians of pressure ulcer risk.