axial
Axial planning
- Cover the plantar (inferior) soft tissues including the entire calcaneus up to above the tibiotalar joint.
- Align parallel to the talus.
MSK protocol
Heel/Calcaneus MRI
Heel and calcaneus MRI for infection, neoplasm, avascular necrosis, peroneal and posterior tibial tendon disorders, and fibromatosis. Each plane uses T2 FS or STIR for fluid-sensitive imaging. Sagittal coverage runs from the fifth metatarsal to above the tibiotalar joint, angled perpendicular to the calcaneus.
mskheelcalcaneusfoottendonplantarfibromatosiswithout 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 | - |
| Axial T2 FS or STIR | axial | noncontrast | Yes | Use T2 FS or STIR based on scanner performance and fat suppression homogeneity. |
| Axial T1 | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal T2 FS or STIR | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | Use T2 FS or STIR based on scanner performance and fat suppression homogeneity. |
| Coronal T1 | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Sagittal T2 FS or STIR | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | Use T2 FS or STIR based on scanner performance and fat suppression homogeneity. |
| Sagittal T1 | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Axial T1 FS Pre | axial | precontrast | Conditional | - |
| Inject | Any | conditional | Conditional | - |
| Axial T1 FS +C | axial | postcontrast | Conditional | - |
| Sagittal T1 FS +C | sagittal | postcontrast | Conditional | - |
PositioningSlice PlanningPlane-specific planning instructions and guide images for technologists.
coronal
Coronal planning
- Cover the plantar (inferior) soft tissues.
- Align parallel to the tibia.
- Cover from past the Achilles tendon to the base of the metatarsals.
sagittal
Sagittal planning
- Cover from the inferior cortex of the fifth metatarsal to above the tibiotalar joint.
- Angle perpendicular to the long axis of the calcaneus.
Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.
axial
Axial field of view
Plantar soft tissues (entire calcaneus) to above the tibiotalar joint, aligned parallel to the talus.
coronal
Coronal field of view
Plantar soft tissues. Past the Achilles tendon to the base of the metatarsals, aligned parallel to the tibia.
sagittal
Sagittal field of view
Inferior cortex of the fifth metatarsal to above the tibiotalar joint, angled perpendicular to the long axis of the calcaneus.
TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.
axial
- slice thickness
- <= 4.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
coronal
- 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 Axial STIR sequence.
- Add Coronal STIR sequence.
- Add Sagittal STIR sequence.
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.