Feasibility study for evaluating early lumbar facet joint degeneration using axial T1ρ, T2, and mapping in cartilage

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Purpose To assess the feasibility of axial T2, , and T1ρ mapping of lumbar facet joint (LFJ) cartilage for evaluation of early degeneration. Materials and Methods We examined a total of 176 LFJs from 21 volunteers using axial T2, , and T1ρ mapping with a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. All LFJs were measured and grouped according to the presence of low back pain (LBP), the Weishaupt grading system, and the Pfirrmann grade of the adjacent intervertebral disk (IVD). T2, , and T1ρ values were analyzed and compared among the different groups. Results Low interobserver agreement was found in the Weishaupt grading of LFJs (κ = 0.161). The T1ρ values of LFJs were significantly different between adjacent two Pfirrmann grade of disks (grade I 50.15 ± 3.63 msec / grade II 53.27 ± 3.80 msec, P = 0.002; grade II 53.27 ± 3.80 msec / grade III 58.40 ± 4.17 msec, P < 0.01), and in different Weishaupt grades of LFJs (P = 0.000). values were only found significantly different between Pfirrmann grade I and III of disks (P = 0.048). There was no significant difference in T2 values of LFJs whatever in Pfirrmann (P = 0.556) or Weishaupt grades (P = 0.694). No significant difference was found in T2, , and T1ρ values between volunteers with LBP and without LBP (PT2 = 0.783, , PT1ρ = 0.259). Conclusion Axial T1ρ could be an effective and sensitive method to assess for early degenerative changes in LFJ cartilage. Level of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:468–475