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The index of glycosaminoglycan distribution, T1(Gd), can exceed 500 msec (denoting high glycosaminoglycan) or can be less than 300 msec, with focal areas as low as 240 msec. Compartmental differences, as well as focal defects within the knee, were observed in patients who had sustained injuries to the ligaments and menisci of the knee or who had chronic osteoarthritis. Overall, these results suggest the need for further research into the biochemical changes seen during disease progression and the effects of therapeutic interventions.

The GAG level in grafts that were implanted for less than 12 months appeared to be lower than that in the remote cartilage. At 12 months or greater, the grafts in this study had GAG levels that were comparable to both the adjacent and remote cartilage. This preliminary study of ACT implants has shown that it is feasible to apply the dGEMRIC technique in patients with ACT as a way to obtain information related to the composition of grafts. These results provide motivation and the pilot data with which to design further clinical studies.