a system and method are presented that facilitate imaging of the joints of the upper and lower extremities including , for example , the hip and shoulder as well as sections of the spine , among others . one embodiment of the invention includes a short bore cylindrical magnet with an imaging volume smaller than that of a comparable whole body system , an articulated table that allows placement of the joint to be imaged in the center of the magnet homogeneous volume while maintaining a high degree of patient comfort and openness . the gradient and rf coils may be positioned above and below the patient instead of 360 degrees surrounding the patient . a smaller rf and gradient coil is made feasible because of the reduced imaging volume .