MRI of the ankle joint in healthy non-athletes and in marathon runners: image quality issues at 7.0 T compared to 1.5 T

Abstract

Our initial results of ultra-high-field ankle joint imaging demonstrate the improved depiction of ankle anatomy, fluid depositions, and cartilage defects. However imaging of edema-like bone lesions remains challenging at ultra-high magnetic field strength, and TSE coverage in particular is limited by the specific absorption rate.

2D and 3D MOCART scoring systems assessed by 9.4 T high-field MRI correlate with elementary and complex histological scoring systems in a translational model of osteochondral repair

“…New generation of experimental high-field MRI with larger gentry size or clinical MRI scanners with increased field-strength will allow to perform in vivo analyses in large animal models. Recently, some studies have already reported imaging of knee or ankle cartilage at 7.0 T in clinical ultra-high-field MRI in patients 39,40 . For example, cartilage and trabecular bone can be imaged in ultra-high-field MRI as described by Krug et al 19 where quantitative MRI for the assessment of trabecular bone structure at the tibia, wrist, and knee were employed.…”

Significant effusion in the joints of the lower extremity after running an ultramarathon in extreme conditions

“…(Frey et al, 1994) Surprisingly, anthropometric data and data on lower extremities is scarce for ultramarathons, although these are frequently studied topics in other running disciplines especially in classic marathons. (Proft et al, 2016;Salinero et al, 2017;Tanda & Knechtle, 2013;Theysohn et al, 2013;Vernillo et al, 2013;Yang, Wang, Bao, & Hu, 2015) Leg circumference changes and contractile function were measured in mountain ultra-marathons with electrical stimulation, suggesting the increase in calf circumference and hydric volume were associated with contractile impairment in the calf of ultramarathon runners. (Vitiello et al, 2015) Increases in circumference can be associated with increased joint effusion.…”

Ultramarathon Running: Medical Issues

“…Different recent studies using MRI (magnetic resonance imagining) provided detailed analyses of the problems of the locomotor system such as bursal or presumed peritendineal fluid and/or edematous tissue, cartilage defects or tibiotalar bone edema-like lesions [106].…”