sagittal
Sagittal planning
- Cover from the inferior cortex of the fifth metatarsal to mid-calf.
- Angle perpendicular to the long axis of the Achilles tendon.
MSK protocol
Achilles Tendon MRI
MRI of the Achilles tendon for tears, tendonitis, and tendinopathy. Sagittal sequences are angled perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon and cover from the fifth metatarsal to mid-calf. Axial and coronal sequences provide cross-sectional and frontal coverage. Routinely performed without contrast.
mskAchillestendonfootankletendinopathywithout 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 | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Axial T1 | axial | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal T2 FS | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Coronal T1 | coronal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| Sagittal T2 FS | sagittal | noncontrast | Yes | - |
| 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.
axial
Axial planning
- Cover from the distal Achilles tendon (entire calcaneus) up to mid-calf.
- Angle perpendicular to the Achilles tendon.
coronal
Coronal planning
- Cover the plantar (inferior) soft tissues.
- Align parallel to the tibia.
- Cover from the Achilles tendon to the base of the metatarsals.
Anatomic extentCoverage RulesMinimum coverage expectations and alignment rules.
sagittal
Sagittal field of view
Inferior cortex of the fifth metatarsal to mid-calf, angled perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon.
axial
Axial field of view
Distal Achilles tendon (entire calcaneus) to mid-calf, angled perpendicular to the Achilles tendon.
coronal
Coronal field of view
Plantar soft tissues, aligned parallel to the tibia. Achilles tendon to base of metatarsals.
TechniqueSuggested Technique SpecificationsPlane-level vendor-neutral guidance from the source protocol.
sagittal
- slice thickness
- <= 3.0 mm
- gap
- <= 0.5 mm
axial
- slice thickness
- <= 4.0 mm
- gap
- <= 1.0 mm
coronal
- 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.