MR Imaging Tools to Assess Cartilage and Joint Structures

A combination of both morphologic and quantitative MR provides objective data to assess not only cartilage morphology but also cartilage biochemistry, inclusive of proteoglycan content and collagen orientation. Challenges still exist, however, as these quantitative techniques increase scan time, are not universally available across sites, and are sometimes restricted to higher magnetic field strengths of 3 T. Standardization of post-processing algorithms and registration software are important to provide more uniform data in multicenter trials. Several ongoing longitudinal registries are being established to study populations at risk, and these preliminary studies will provide important information suitable for powering studies aimed at assessing potential pharmaceutical intervention to delay the progression of OA. In addition, these MR data provide important insight into the appropriate timing of surgical treatments aimed at delaying progression and provide noninvasive and objective assessment of cartilage repair techniques.