title: Diagnostic Modalities for Diseased Articular Cartilage-From Defect to Degeneration: A Review.
abstract: The progression of cartilage matrix damage to generalized degeneration is associated with specific pathophysiological and clinical aspects. Reliable detection of stage-related characteristics of cartilage disease serves both a therapeutic and prognostic goal. Over the past years, several (pre)clinical diagnostic modalities for cartilage pathologies have been advocated. Each modality focuses on different aspects of the disease. Early diagnosis, before irreversible damage has occurred, opens up the possibility for better treatment and improves the patients' prognosis. This article gives an overview of the diagnostic modalities available for monitoring cartilage pathology and focuses on reliability, clinical value, current status, and possible applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J E J
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bekkers
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Creemers
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: W J A
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Dhert
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: D B F
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Saris
keywords: articular cartilage; degeneration; diagnosis