T2 distribution profiles are a good way to show cartilage regional variabilities and cartilage insufficiency.
Skeletal Radiol 2020;
49:137-145. [PMID:
31270567 DOI:
10.1007/s00256-019-03256-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To use T2 relaxation time distribution profiles to assess inter-group regional differences along articular surfaces and to evaluate the feasibility of this analysis for comparison of cartilage insufficiency.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve pairs matched according to age and gender (12 healthy volunteers and 12 patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)) underwent 3-T MRI. T2 maps were calculated from six time echo images of the mid-sagittal slice in the lateral and medial compartment. The femoral and tibial cartilage was analyzed by measuring T2 distribution profiles along the articular surfaces.
RESULTS
T2 distribution profiles were generated along the length of the articular surface in the femorotibial compartments. Differences in the T2 distribution profiles between the tibial and femoral cartilage as well as between the cartilage of the femoral condyles were identified in healthy individuals. T2 distribution profiles clearly demonstrated cartilage insufficiency in the weight-bearing areas for subjects in the ACLR group.
CONCLUSIONS
T2 distribution profiles can identify regional differences in femoral and tibial cartilage. The T2 distribution profile pattern is preserved with cartilage insufficiency, however, with important differences in T2 values for the ACLR group in weight-bearing areas.
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