Magnetic resonance imaging R2* sequences can better detect microstructural cartilage changes than T2 mapping in cynomolgus monkeys with limited knee kinematics: preliminary imaging findings

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05817-5 · Published: September 6, 2022

Medical Imaging Orthopedics Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two MRI techniques, T2 mapping and R2* sequences, in detecting early cartilage damage in knees with limited range of motion (ROM). The researchers hypothesized that R2* sequences would be better at identifying these changes. Twenty male cynomolgus monkeys were divided into groups based on their knee ROM and then underwent MRI scans. The scans were analyzed to measure cartilage characteristics using both T2 mapping and R2* sequences. The study found that R2* sequences were more sensitive than T2 mapping in detecting microstructural changes in cartilage, particularly in the medial knee compartment. Additionally, the R2* values increased as knee ROM decreased.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 male cynomolgus monkeys

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MRI-R2* sequence is superior to T2 mapping in the detection of microstructural cartilage changes in knees with limited ROM.
2
Microstructural cartilage changes occurred more often in the medial knee compartment than in the lateral knee compartment.
3
Cartilage R2* values tend to increase with the amount of knee ROM loss.

Research Summary

The study evaluated cartilage measurements using T2 mapping and R2* sequences in monkeys with normal and reduced knee ROM to determine which sequence is better at detecting microstructural cartilage changes. The results showed that MRI R2* sequences were superior to T2 mapping in detecting cartilage microstructural changes in knees with limited ROM. The medial knee compartment was found to be more susceptible to microstructural cartilage changes, and cartilage R2* values increased with the amount of knee ROM loss.

Practical Implications

Improved Detection of Early Cartilage Damage

R2* sequences may offer a more effective method for detecting early microstructural cartilage changes in individuals with limited knee ROM, potentially leading to earlier interventions.

Targeted Interventions for Medial Knee Compartment

The finding that the medial knee compartment is more susceptible to cartilage changes suggests that interventions should be particularly focused on this area.

Correlation Between R2* Values and ROM

The correlation between R2* values and the amount of knee ROM loss could provide a quantitative measure for monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Study Limitations

1
Intraoperative and histological validation of T2 mapping and R2* sequences could not be performed.
2
It was not possible to evaluate other factors leading to limitation of knee joint kinematics, including synovial inflammation, effusion, and ligament stiffness.
3
Only sagittal plane MRI sequences were used for analysis.

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