Functional PET-MRI in Symptomatic Cam FAI Examining the Crosstalk Between Bone and Cartilage

Motivation: Investigating hip cartilage and bones in FAI non-invasively may provide insight into disease understanding and evaluation of early stages of osteoarthritis. Goal(s): To derive a potential non-invasive biomarker for FAI. Approach: PET-MRI was used to study symptomatic cam FAI, and healthy controls. T1ρ maps were acquired as markers for cartilage proteoglycan content, and 18F-NaF Standard Uptake Values (SUVs) for bone turnover. Results: T1ρ was significantly increased in several cartilage regions in the symptomatic group. A trend of increased SUV was observed in the femur of the symptomatic group. Significant correlations were observed between SUV and T1ρ. Impact: PET-MRI allows for the simultaneous analysis of bone and cartilage status in hips and may provide more detailed diagnosis and prognosis for FAI and osteoarthritis patients. Both T1ρ and SUV measures are indicative of worsening pain and progression of disease.