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Open Access 01-05-2007 | Musculoskeletal

Cartilage imaging: motivation, techniques, current and future significance

Authors: Thomas M. Link, Robert Stahl, Klaus Woertler

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 5/2007

Abstract

Cartilage repair techniques and pharmacological therapies are currently areas of major clinical interest and research, in particular to prevent and treat osteoarthritis. MR imaging-based techniques to visualize cartilage are prerequisites to guide and monitor these therapies. In this review article, standard MR imaging sequences are described, including proton density-weighted fast spin echo, spoiled gradient echo and dual echo steady state sequences. In addition, new sequences that have been developed and are currently being investigated are presented, including driven equilibrium Fourier transform and steady-state free precession-based imaging. Using high-field MR imaging at 3.0-T, visualization of cartilage and the related pathology has been improved. Volumetric quantitative cartilage MR imaging was developed as a tool to monitor the progression of osteoarthritis and to evaluate new pharmacological cartilage protective therapies. The most exciting developments, however, are in the field of cartilage matrix assessment with quantitative dGEMRIC, T2 and T1rho mapping techniques. These techniques aim at detecting cartilage damage at a stage when changes are potentially still reversible, before cartilage tissue is lost. There is currently substantial interest in these techniques from rheumatologists and orthopedists; radiologists therefore need to keep up with these developments.

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Title: Cartilage imaging: motivation, techniques, current and future significance
Authors: Thomas M. Link
Robert Stahl
Klaus Woertler
Publication date: 01-05-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 5/2007
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0453-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cartilage imaging: motivation, techniques, current and future significance

Abstract

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

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