Feasibility study for evaluating early lumbar facet joint degeneration using axial T1ρ, T2, and T2* mapping in cartilage.
To assess the feasibility of axial T2, T2*, and T1ρ mapping of lumbar facet joint (LFJ) cartilage for evaluation of early degeneration.



We examined a total of 176 LFJs from 21 volunteers using axial T2, 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, T2*, and T1ρ values were analyzed and compared among the different groups.



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). T2* values were only found significantly different between Pfirrmann grade I and III of disks (P = 0.048). There was no significant difference in T2values of LFJs whatever in Pfirrmann (P = 0.556) or Weishaupt grades (P = 0.694). No significant difference was found in T2, T2*, and T1ρ values between volunteers with LBP and without LBP (PT2= 0.783, PT2*=0.311, PT1ρ = 0.259).



Axial T1ρ could be an effective and sensitive method to assess for early degenerative changes in LFJ cartilage.



1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:468-475.
Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Jianzhong
J
Hu
Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Yi
Y
Zhang
Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Chunyue
C
Duan
Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Xianjing
X
Peng
Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Ping
P
Hu
Department of Sports Medicine and Research Center of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.
Hongbin
H
Lu
D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000473:pathology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
axial T1ρ mapping; cartilage; early degeneration; lumbar facet joint; magnetic resonance imaging