A novel and non-destructive method to examine meniscus architecture using 9.4 Tesla MRI

Abstract

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the ability of high-field (9.4 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to delineate porcine knee meniscal tissue structure and meniscal tears.Materials and methodsPorcine knees were obtained from a local abattoir, and eight medial menisci with no visible defects were dissected. Lesions simulating longitudinal tears were created on two of the menisci. MR images of the menisci were obtained at 9.4 T using a three-dimensional (3D)-FLASH sequence. A detailed 3D internal architecture of the intact and injured menisci was demonstrated on high-resolution MR images.ResultsHigh-resolution 3D MR imaging allowed visualisation of internal architecture of the meniscus and disruption to the internal structural network in damage models. The architecture of the porcine knee meniscus revealed by the MR scans appeared similar to the structures visualised by histology in previously reported studies.ConclusionHigh-field MRI is a non-destructive technique to examine the internal structural components and damage/wear of meniscal tissue. It has tremendous potential in the field of functional cartilage/meniscus biomechanics and biotribology.

Functional imaging in OA: role of imaging in the evaluation of tissue biomechanics

“…At the tissue-scale, the knee, hip, and ankle [63] are easily visualized by noninvasive imaging in vivo , as are tissue in the finger joints [64, 65]. For knee OA, imaging can visualize several tissues that are known to exhibit altered biomechanics in disease, including cartilage [66], bone [67–69], and ligament and meniscus [26, 70]. While future imaging studies may better address OA-associated early changes in cell death [40] or molecular targets [71], current functional imaging of biomechanics in OA is focused largely on the analysis of joint kinematics, and the quantification of tissue structure, morphology, and biomechanics.…”

A Review of the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis and the Use of Intra-articular Platelet Therapy for Joint Disease in Animals and Humans

“…84,85 The MMP and ADAMTS not only cleave ECM proteins but also activate other MMP, establishing an interdependence in function. [86][87][88][89] Statistical data combined with protein microarray analyses reveal that MMP-7 is a good biomarker for the early detection of OA, preceding symptoms by as much as 10 years. 90 The action of aggrecanases may be required prior to collagen cleavage by MMPs, making anti-aggrecanase strategies an area of therapeutic interest.…”

“…The MMP and ADAMTS not only cleave ECM proteins but also activate other MMP, establishing an interdependence in function. 86–89 Statistical data combined with protein microarray analyses reveal that MMP-7 is a good biomarker for the early detection of OA, preceding symptoms by as much as 10 years. 90…”

The Agfa Mayneord lecture: MRI of short and ultrashortT2andT2* components of tissues, fluids and materials using clinical systems

“…With conventional imaging, some radial fibres may be distinguishable from the majority of circumferential fibres [84], but with UTE and magic angle imaging, each of these fibre groups can be identified ( Figure 4) [85][86][87][88][89][90]. It is also possible to distinguish the internal structure of the meniscus from that of the root ligaments ( Figure 5), and the more central cartilaginous region from the peripheral, more fibrous region of the meniscus.…”