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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2021; 25(06): 725-734
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735472
Review Article

Musculoskeletal Applications of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound

Matthew D. Bucknor
1   Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Joe D. Baal
1   Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Kevin C. McGill
1   Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Andrew Infosino
2   Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Thomas M. Link
1   Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Abstract

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel noninvasive therapy that uses focused sound energy to thermally ablate focal pathology within the body. In the United States, MRgFUS is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of uterine fibroids, palliation of painful bone metastases, and thalamotomy for the treatment of essential tremor. However, it has also demonstrated utility for the treatment of a wide range of additional musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions that currently are treated as off-label indications. Advantages of the technology include the lack of ionizing radiation, the completely noninvasive technique, and the precise targeting that offer unprecedented control of the delivery of the thermal dose, as well as real-time monitoring capability with MR thermometry. In this review, we describe the most common MSK applications of MRgFUS: palliation of bone metastases, treatment of osteoid osteomas, desmoid tumors, facet arthropathy, and other developing indications.

Keywords

magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound - high-intensity focused ultrasound - thermal ablation


Publication History

Article published online:
22 December 2021

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