Interphalangeal joint cartilage: high-spatial-resolution in vivo MR T2 mapping--a feasibility study.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR) T2 mapping of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the index finger. Cartilage T2 maps with an in-plane resolution of 39 microm were obtained from five asymptomatic subjects-four men and one woman, aged 24-45 years-by using a 3.0-T MR imager. Image acquisition time was 9.6 minutes. All cartilage T2 maps demonstrated spatial variation similar to that reported previously for knee cartilage, with T2 values increasing toward the articular surface. These results demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring cartilage T2 maps of small joints in the hand. Application of T2 mapping techniques to non-weight-bearing joints may provide a means for differentiation of local biomechanical and systemic factors that can affect cartilage T2 values.
Department of Radiology, Pennsylvania State University Center for NMR Research, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Jelena
J
Lazovic-Stojkovic
Timothy J
TJ
Mosher
Harvey E
HE
Smith
Qing X
QX
Yang
Bernard J
BJ
Dardzinski
Michael B
MB
Smith
D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results