Novel cartilage imaging techniques for hip disorders

Auxiliary diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip by automated detection of Sharp's angle on standardized anteroposterior pelvic radiographs

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is common, and features a widened Sharp's angle as observed on pelvic x-ray images. Determination of Sharp's angle, essential for clinical decisions, can overwhelm the workload of orthopedic surgeons. To aid diagnosis of DDH and reduce false negative diagnoses, a simple and cost-effective tool is proposed. The model was designed using artificial intelligence (AI), and evaluated for its ability to screen anteroposterior pelvic radiographs automatically, accurately, and efficiently.Orthotopic anterior pelvic x-ray images were retrospectively collected (n = 11574) from the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) database at Second Hospital of Jilin University. The Mask regional convolutional neural network (R-CNN) model was utilized and finely modified to detect 4 key points that delineate Sharp's angle. Of these images, 11,473 were randomly selected, labeled, and used to train and validate the modified Mask R-CNN model. A test dataset comprised the remaining 101 images. Python-based utility software was applied to draw and calculate Sharp's angle automatically. The diagnoses of DDH obtained via the model or the traditional manual drawings of 3 orthopedic surgeons were compared, each based on the degree of Sharp's angle, and these were then evaluated relative to the final clinical diagnoses (based on medical history, symptoms, signs, x-ray films, and computed tomography images).Sharp's angles on the left and right measured via the AI model (40.07° ± 4.09° and 40.65° ± 4.21°), were statistically similar to that of the surgeons' (39.35° ± 6.74° and 39.82° ± 6.99°). The measurement time required by the AI model (1.11 ± 0.00 s) was significantly less than that of the doctors (86.72 ± 1.10, 93.26 ± 1.12, and 87.34 ± 0.80 s). The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the AI method for diagnosis of DDH were similar to that of the orthopedic surgeons; the diagnoses of both were moderately consistent with the final clinical diagnosis.The proposed AI model can automatically measure Sharp's angle with a performance similar to that of orthopedic surgeons, but requires far less time. The AI model may be a viable auxiliary to clinical diagnosis of DDH.

Regional Articular Cartilage Abnormalities of the Hip

OBJECTIVE

Imaging of hip cartilage is challenging because of its limited thickness and complex geometry and therefore requires advanced MRI techniques. However, cartilage abnormalities are found in a number of disease entities, and their diagnosis may impact patient management. This article will provide pertinent information about the motivation to image hip cartilage, which imaging techniques to use, and how to analyze cartilage; finally, we will discuss disease entities with regional cartilage lesions, including the typical MRI findings.

CONCLUSION

Because the detection and quantification of regional cartilage abnormalities are critical for guidance of operative and nonoperative management of hip disorders, radiologists should be familiar with imaging and analysis techniques for assessing hip cartilage.

MRI of Labral and Chondral Lesions of the Hip

OBJECTIVE

Unenhanced MRI, indirect MR arthrography, and direct MR arthrography have been used in the radiologic evaluation of patients with suspected labral tears and chondral lesions of the hip. The purpose of this article is to examine the existing evidence for the use of these techniques in patients with hip pain and suspected labral or chondral abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from a review of the radiologic literature supports the use of direct MR arthrography over unenhanced MRI and indirect MR arthrography for the detection of labral and cartilage abnormalities in the hip. Although high-resolution unenhanced 3-T MRI appears promising, limited information in the literature supports its use in the detection and characterization of chondrolabral lesions.

Zonal T2* and T1Gd assessment of knee joint cartilage in various histological grades of cartilage degeneration: an observational in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

Accurate assessment of cartilage status is increasingly becoming important to clinicians for offering joint preservation surgeries versus joint replacements. The goal of this study was to evaluate the validity of three-dimensional (3D), gradient-echo (GRE)-based T2* and T1Gd mapping for the assessment of various histological severities of degeneration in knee joint cartilage with potential implications for clinical management.

METHODS

MRI and histological assessment were conducted in 36 ex vivo lateral femoral condyle specimens. The MRI protocol included a 3D GRE multiecho data image combination sequence in order to assess the T2* decay, a 3D double-echo steady-state sequence for assessment of cartilage morphology, and a dual flip angle 3D GRE sequence with volumetric interpolated breathhold examination for the T1Gd assessment. The histological sample analysis was performed according to the Mankin system. The data were then analysed statistically and correlated.

RESULTS

We observed a significant decrease in the T2* and T1Gd values with increasing grades of cartilage degeneration (p<0.001) and a moderate correlation between T2* (r=0.514)/T1Gd (r=0.556) and the histological grading of cartilage degeneration (p<0.001). In addition, we noted a zonal variation in the T2* and T1Gd values reflecting characteristic zonal differences in the biochemical composition of hyaline cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study outlines the potential of GRE-based T2* and T1Gd mapping to identify various grades of cartilage damage. Early changes in specific zones may assist clinicians in identifying methods of early intervention involving the targeted joint preservation approach versus moving forward with unicompartmental, bicompartmental or tricompartmental joint replacement procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00000729.

T₁ρ MRI of human musculoskeletal system

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the direct visualization of the human musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially all diarthrodial tissues including cartilage, bone, menisci, ligaments, tendon, hip, synovium, etc. Conventional MRI techniques based on T1 - and T2 -weighted, proton density (PD) contrast are inconclusive in quantifying early biochemically degenerative changes in MSK system in general and articular cartilage in particular. In recent years, quantitative MR parameter mapping techniques have been used to quantify the biochemical changes in articular cartilage, with a special emphasis on evaluating joint injury, cartilage degeneration, and soft tissue repair. In this article we focus on cartilage biochemical composition, basic principles of T1ρ MRI, implementation of T1ρ pulse sequences, biochemical validation, and summarize the potential applications of the T1ρ MRI technique in MSK diseases including osteoarthritis (OA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and knee joint repair. Finally, we also review the potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects of T1ρ MRI for widespread clinical translation.