Short axis planning
- Align slices perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals.
- FOV covers the entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot.
MSK protocol
Forefoot/Toes MRI
Forefoot and toe MRI for infection, avascular necrosis, congenital conditions, and Morton's neuroma. Uses short axis (perpendicular to metatarsals), long axis (parallel to metatarsals), and sagittal sequences. When contrast is given, short axis plus either long axis or sagittal postcontrast sequences are acquired based on the location of pathology.
mskforefoottoesfootMorton's neuromaavascular necrosiswithout contrast
For protocol planning and internal reference only. Follow institutional MRI safety screening, contrast, dosage, and GFR policies.
Decision supportContrast GuidanceDefault contrast approach and conditional indications.
Contrast indications
No routine contrast indications listed for this noncontrast protocol.
Dose notes
- Follow department policy regarding contrast administration and dosing.
Acquisition listSequencesRequired and conditional series for the exam.
| Sequence | Plane | Phase | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Localizer Axial | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Localizer 3 Plane | Any | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Short Axis T2 FS | Any | noncontrast | Yes | Perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot. |
| Short Axis T1 | Any | noncontrast | Yes | Perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot. |
| Long Axis T2 FS | Any | noncontrast | Yes | Parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot. |
| Long Axis T1 | Any | noncontrast | Yes | Parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot. |
| Sagittal T2 FS | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | Perpendicular to the short axis sequence and parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. |
| Sagittal T1 | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | Perpendicular to the short axis sequence and parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. |
| Axial T1 FS Pre | axial | precontrast | Conditional | - |
| Inject | Any | conditional | Conditional | - |
| Axial T1 FS +C | axial | postcontrast | Conditional | Short axis postcontrast is always acquired. Also acquire either long axis or sagittal postcontrast based on the location of pathology. |
| Sagittal T1 FS +C | sagittal | postcontrast | Conditional | Acquire in addition to short axis postcontrast when pathology is best shown in the sagittal plane. |
PositioningSlice PlanningPlane-specific planning instructions and guide images for technologists.
Long axis planning
- Align slices parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
- FOV covers the entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot.
sagittal
Sagittal planning
- Align perpendicular to the short axis sequence and parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
- FOV covers the entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot.
Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.
General
Short axis field of view
Entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot, slices perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals.
General
Long axis field of view
Entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot, slices parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
sagittal
Sagittal field of view
Entire soft tissues of the toes and forefoot, perpendicular to the short axis and parallel to the metatarsals.
TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.
short_axis
- slice thickness
- <= 4.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
long_axis
- slice thickness
- <= 4.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
sagittal
- slice thickness
- <= 4.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
Conditional workflowSpecial SituationsAdjustments for contrast, hardware, and protocol-specific conditions.
Surgical hardware present
- Add Short Axis STIR sequence.
- Add Long Axis STIR sequence.
- Add Sagittal STIR sequence.
Contrast administered
- Always acquire short axis postcontrast.
- Additionally acquire either long axis or sagittal postcontrast based on the location of pathology.
Future detailAdvancedSource-backed scanner, vendor, and site-specific notes when available.
Advanced technical details, scanner variants, and planning guide assets can appear here as protocol data expands.