This educational review draws attention to birdcage
volume resonators as a simple alternative to
phased-array receive coils for high-resolution
microstructural imaging of the human wrist. The value of
quadrature volume coils for transmit-receive (Tx-Rx)
applications is better realized at ultra-high fields (
7T)
due to lack of body Tx coils. Here, by virtue of
examples, we discuss the design of birdcage resonators
for wrist imaging at 3T and 7T. Further, we highlight
their utility for specific absorption rate-compliance,
patient setup for improved tolerance and a rapid
spin-echo based technique for high-quality imaging of
trabecular (spongy) bone microstructure.