Morphologic imaging of articular cartilage

Colin D Strickland; Richard Kijowski

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.009

Morphologic imaging of articular cartilage

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2011 May;19(2):229-48. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.009.

Authors

Colin D Strickland¹, Richard Kijowski

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Denver, Leprino Building, 12401 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop L954, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. colin.strickland@ucdenver.edu

PMID: 21665089
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.009

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays an integral role in the assessment of articular cartilage. This article discusses the role of MR imaging in the evaluation of articular cartilage, the appearance of cartilage lesions on MR imaging, and the currently available MR imaging techniques for evaluating cartilage morphology. A limitation of currently available sequences is their inability to consistently detect superficial degenerative and posttraumatic cartilage lesions that may progress to more advanced osteoarthritis. In the future, improved image quality may allow for better evaluation of articular cartilage and earlier detection of cartilage lesions.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cartilage Diseases / diagnosis*
Cartilage, Articular / injuries
Cartilage, Articular / pathology*
Humans
Image Enhancement / methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Osteoarthritis / diagnosis*