Patellar Cartilage: T2 Values and Morphologic Abnormalities at 3.0-T MR Imaging in Relation to Physical Activity in Asymptomatic Subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Abstract

Purpose:To study the interrelationship between patella cartilage T2 relaxation time, other knee abnormalities, and physical activity levels in asymptomatic subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) incidence cohort. Materials and Methods:The study had institutional review board approval and was HIPAA compliant. One hundred twenty subjects from the OAI without knee pain (age, 45-55 years) and with risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (OA) were studied by using knee radiographs, 3.0-T knee magnetic resonance (MR) images (including intermediate-weighted fast spinecho and T2 mapping sequences), and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. MR images of the right knee were assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists for the presence and grade of abnormalities. Segmentation of the patella cartilage was performed, and T2 maps were generated. Statistical signifi cance was determined by using analysis of variance, x 2 analysis, correlation coeffi cient tests, the Cohen k , and a multiple linear regression model. Results:Cartilage lesions were found in 95 (79.0%) of 120 knees, and meniscal lesions were found in 54 (45%) of 120 knees. A signifi cant correlation between patella cartilage T2 values and the severity and grade of cartilage ( P = .0025) and meniscus ( P = .0067) lesions was demonstrated. Subjects with high activity levels had signifi cantly higher prevalence and grade of abnormalities and higher T2 values (48.7 msec 6 4.35 vs 45.8 msec 6 3.93; P , .001) than did subjects with low activity levels. Conclusion:Middle-aged asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for knee OA had a high prevalence of cartilage and meniscus knee lesions. Physically active individuals had more knee abnormalities and higher patellar T2 values. Additional studies will be needed to determine causality.

Hyperintense signal alteration in the suprapatellar fat pad on MRI is associated with degeneration of the patellofemoral joint over 48 months: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

“…The UCSF-modified WORMS grading [19,20] was used to semi-quantitatively assess articular cartilage, bone marrow lesions (BML), and subchondral cysts of the patellofemoral joint at baseline and 48-month follow-up. Cartilage was graded on an incremental scale from 0 (normal cartilage thickness and signal) to 6 (diffuse full-thickness loss in more than 75% of the region) and BML and subchondral cysts were graded on an incremental scale from 0 to 3 according to their size.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, associations of SPFP imaging findings with patellofemoral joint degeneration and clinical worsening have not yet been assessed in a longitudinal analysis. Therefore, the aims of this study were first, to analyze the association of MRI findings of SPFPs with progression of patellofemoral OA, as assessed by the modified Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) [19,20] over 48 months, and second, to evaluate associations between SPFP abnormalities and clinical outcome over 48 months.…”

Quantitative parametric MRI of articular cartilage: a review of progress and open challenges

“…Subjects with mild and severe OA had significantly higher cartilage T 2 values than those who were healthy. A study of the Osteoarthritis Initiative patient cohort [36] showed a link between heightened T 2 values of patellar cartilage and knee abnormalities. It has, however, been suggested that explicit interpretation of changes in T 2 should be made with care, owing to the number of competing biological and mechanical effects that influence T 2 [1].…”

Diz Eklemi: Kikirdak

“…T2 haritaları kıkırdaktaki normal alanları dejenerasyon alanlarından ayırt etmek için kullanılabilir olmasına rağmen, orta ve ciddi hastalığı ayırmada yardımcı olabilecek T2 harita ile osteoartrit arasında doğru orantılı bir ilişki yoktur [57]. Ayrıca fiziksel aktivite- [58]. T2 haritalama tekniğinin kıkırdak onarı-mının zamanla takip edilmesinde kullanılabilir olduğu gösterilmiş olup çoğu klinik MR sisteminde kolayca uygulanabilir hal almıştır [59].…”