Osteoblastoma
When diagnosing osteoblastoma, the preliminary radiologic workup should consist of radiography of the site of the patient's pain. However, computed tomography (CT) is often necessary to support clinical and plain radiographic findings suggestive of osteoblastoma and to better define the margins of the lesion for potential surgery. CT scans are best used for the further characterization of the lesion with regard to the presence of a nidus and matrix mineralization. MRI aids in detection of nonspecific reactive marrow and soft tissue edema, and MRI best defines soft tissue extension, although this finding is not typical of osteoblastoma. Bone scintigraphy (bone scan) demonstrates abnormal radiotracer accumulation at the affected site, substantiating clinical suspicion, but this finding is not specific for osteoblastoma. In many patients, biopsy is necessary for confirmation.
MRI Robot
To be MRI compatible, a robot needs to safely operate and perform its functions within the magnetic field of the MRI without deteriorating the image quality. Thus, the development of MRI robots is a very challenging engineering task because MRI scanners use magnetic fields of very high density (3 teslas is now common), and most of the components commonly used in robotics may not be used in close proximity of the magnet.