[Measurement of the thickness and volume of the cartilage by nuclear magnetic resonance].
THE CLASSICAL METHODS: The measurement methods of the variations in articular cartilage, essentially "magnifying glass" and semi-automated computerized digitalized radiographic images, permit precise assessment of the maximum pinching point and the mean thickness and surface within a determined area. They do not provide information on the volume of the cartilage, which can be assessed by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). RELIABILITY OF NMR: A study of the images obtained with the NMR of 48 normal and arthritic knees demonstrated the excellent reliability of this imaging method and of a new software for the measurement of the cartilage on these images. FOLLOW-UP OF THE PROGRESSION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS: Nuclear magnetic resonance is a highly sensitive method, more powerful than measurements made on radiographies, to monitor the progression of cartilage destruction, as was demonstrated in a study pursued for 2 years in 30 patients presenting with gonathrosis.
D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors