From Esaote S.p.A.; Esaote introduced the new G-SCAN at the RSNA in Dec. 2004. The G-SCAN covers almost all musculoskeletal applications including the spine. The tilting gantry is designed for scanning in weight-bearing positions. This unique MRI scanner is developed in line with the Esaote philosophy of creating high quality MRI systems that are easy to install and that have a low breakeven point.

Knee and shoulder MRI exams are the most commonly requested musculoskeletal MRI scans. Other MR imaging of the extremities includes hips, ankles, elbows, and wrists. Orthopedic imaging requires very high spatial resolution for reliable small structure definition and therefore places extremely high demands on SNR.
Exact presentation of joint pathology expects robust and reliable fat suppression, often under difficult conditions like off-center FOV, imaging at the edge of the field homogeneity or in regions with complex magnetic susceptibility.
MR examinations can evaluate meniscal dislocations, muscle fiber tears, tendon disruptions, tendinitis, and diagnose bone tumors and soft tissue masses. MR can also demonstrate acute fractures that are radiographically impossible to see. Evaluation of articular cartilage for traumatic injury or assessment of degenerative disease represents an imaging challenge, which can be overcome by high field MRI applications. Currently, fat-suppressed 3D spoiled gradient echo sequences and density weighted fast spin echo sequences are the gold-standard techniques used to assess articular cartilage.
Open MRI procedures allow the kinematic imaging of joints, which provides added value to any musculoskeletal MRI practice. This technique demonstrates the actual functional impingements or positional subluxations of joints. In knee MRI examinations, the kinematical patellar study can show patellofemoral joint abnormalities.

See also Open MRI, Knee MRI, Low Field MRI.

From Philips Medical Systems; Philips Infinion 1.5 T is designed to maximize the efficiency and quality of patient care. Developed with the patient in mind, the Infinion is the shortest and most open 1.5T scanner available. The unique 'ultra short' 1.4 m magnet assures patient comfort and acceptance without compromising image quality and clinical performance.

From Siemens Medical Systems;
Received FDA clearance in 2010.
The MAGNETOM Aera is a patient friendly, comfortable 1.5 Tesla MRI system with advanced radio frequency chain.
The system is equipped with the Tim 4G and Dot system (Total imaging matrix + Day optimizing throughput), to enhance both productivity and image quality.
Tim 4G technology provides improved SNR. The standard system configuration of 48 radio frequency channels and 204 coil elements creates an imaging matrix that allows maximum use of coil elements at full field of view. Dot provides improved image consistency through new features like auto align, auto FoV and automatic bolus detection.

From Siemens Medical Systems;
Received FDA clearance in 2007.
The MAGNETOM Essenza is designed to combine high system performance with simple installation and power requirements to provide optimal operating costs for limited budgets. The standard system has up to 25 integrated coil elements and 8 independent radio frequency channels. Tim allows the combination of up to 4 different coils that reduce patient and coil repositioning.
The 1.5 Tesla system is designated for a complete range of clinical applications, including neurology, orthopedics, body imaging, angiography, cardiology, breast imaging, oncology and pediatric MRI.