MagniscreenMRI Protocols & Planning
Protocol Explorer

MSK protocol

Whole Foot MRI

Whole foot MRI for plantar fasciitis, infection, avascular necrosis, congenital conditions, and Morton's neuroma. Uses short axis (perpendicular to metatarsals), long axis (parallel to metatarsals), and sagittal sequences covering all soft tissues of the foot. Short axis uses larger slices than forefoot imaging to accommodate the full foot length. When contrast is given, short axis plus either long axis or sagittal postcontrast sequences are acquired based on the location of pathology.

mskfootwhole footplantar fasciitisavascular necrosisMorton's neuromawithout 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.
SequencePlanePhaseRequiredNotes
Localizer AxialaxialnoncontrastYes-
Localizer 3 PlaneAnynoncontrastYes-
Short Axis T2 FSAnynoncontrastYesPerpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the foot.
Short Axis T1AnynoncontrastYesPerpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the foot.
Long Axis T2 FSAnynoncontrastYesParallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the foot.
Long Axis T1AnynoncontrastYesParallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. FOV covers entire soft tissues of the foot.
Sagittal T2 FSsagittalnoncontrastYesPerpendicular to the short axis sequence and parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
Sagittal T1sagittalnoncontrastYesPerpendicular to the short axis sequence and parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
Axial T1 FS PreaxialprecontrastConditional-
InjectAnyconditionalConditional-
Axial T1 FS +CaxialpostcontrastConditionalShort axis postcontrast is always acquired. Also acquire either long axis or sagittal postcontrast based on the location of pathology.
Sagittal T1 FS +CsagittalpostcontrastConditionalAcquire 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.

Short axis planning

  • Align slices perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals.
  • FOV covers the entire soft tissues of the foot.

Whole Foot short axis planning - sagittal view

short axis

Source slide 94 (FOOT CENTER MIDFOOT). Sagittal reference image used to plan the coronal or short-axis acquisition.

Whole Foot short axis planning - axial view

short axis

Source slide 94 (FOOT CENTER MIDFOOT). Axial reference image used to plan the coronal or short-axis acquisition.

Whole Foot short axis planning - coronal view

short axis

Source slide 94 (FOOT CENTER MIDFOOT). Coronal reference image used to plan the coronal or short-axis acquisition.

Long axis planning

  • Align slices parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.
  • FOV covers the entire soft tissues of the foot.

Whole Foot long axis planning - sagittal oblique view

long axis

Source slide 95 (FOOT). Additional sagittal-oblique reference image used to plan the axial or long-axis acquisition.

Whole Foot long axis planning - sagittal view

long axis

Source slide 95 (FOOT). Sagittal reference image used to plan the axial or long-axis acquisition.

Whole Foot long axis planning - axial view

long axis

Source slide 95 (FOOT). Axial reference image used to plan the axial or long-axis acquisition.

Whole Foot long axis planning - coronal view

long axis

Source slide 95 (FOOT). Coronal reference image used to plan the axial or long-axis acquisition.

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 foot.

Whole Foot sagittal planning - sagittal view

sagittal

Source slide 96 (FOOT). Sagittal reference image used to plan the sagittal acquisition.

Whole Foot sagittal planning - axial view

sagittal

Source slide 96 (FOOT). Axial reference image used to plan the sagittal acquisition.

Whole Foot sagittal planning - coronal view

sagittal

Source slide 96 (FOOT). Coronal reference image used to plan the sagittal acquisition.

Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.

General

Short axis field of view

Entire soft tissues of the foot, slices perpendicular to the long axis of the metatarsals.

General

Long axis field of view

Entire soft tissues of the foot, slices parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals.

sagittal

Sagittal field of view

Entire soft tissues of the foot, 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
<= 5.0 mm
gap
<= 2.0 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.