Gait influences changes in T2 clusters in an ACL reconstructed population 2-3 years post-surgery

Motivation: The development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (PTOA) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains unclear. T2-clusters (T2C), a method longitudinally analyzing focal changes in femoral T2, combined with biomechanics may offer insights into early PTOA development. Goal(s): To determine if biomechanical loading during walking would associate with increased T2C. Approach: 16 unilateral ACLR participants, 2-years post-reconstruction, underwent bilateral MRI and gait analysis at baseline and an 8-month follow-up. Statistical tests determined correlations between gait and T2C metrics. Results: Increased loading associated with more focal T2 elevations across the femoral cartilage. Impact: T2-cluster analysis combined with biomechanics may offer new insights into early cartilage focal changes in areas of loading that could otherwise be missed using the standard average regional T2 relaxation times, potentially providing target areas for future therapeutics.