Utilization of an MRI compatible loading device for the evaluation of unloaded-to-loaded changes in region specific tibial cartilage T1ρ and T2:

Evaluation of unloaded-to-loaded changes within cartilage revealed that tibial cartilage thickness, T1ρ, and T2 metrics all decreased/shortened following application of 50% BW axial load. Shortening of loaded qMRI values is likely attributed to water loss from the cartilage matrix due to PG/matrix damage and attendant loss of cartilage FCD within this cadaveric model. As both the static and dynamic responses of cartilage to load are impacted by degeneration, quantification of unloaded-to-loaded T1ρ and T2 values may provide additional insight into cartilage health. Future work will evaluate unloaded-to-loaded cartilage T2* metrics to better elucidate movements of free and bound water pools.