Ultrashort turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE) has the advantage of shorter scan times, minimizing motion artifacts, but has the disadvantage of a lower signal-to-noise ratio and suffers from different artifacts. T2-weighted ultrashort TSE (echo train 24) and TSE (echo train 11) were compared in degenerative lesions of the spine (n = 9) and ligamentous lesions associated with sprained ankle injuries (n = 5). The imaging quality of ultrashort TSE was very similar to TSE. There was no difference in diagnostic reliability with ultrashort TSE compared to TSE in the spine or ankle. With regard to contrast properties a higher signal intensity of fatty bone marrow was obtained with ultrashort TSE, with consecutive lower contrast between fluid and edema on the one hand and fatty tissue on the other.