Quantitative in vivo MRI evaluation of lumbar facet joints and intervertebral discs using axial T2 mapping

Abstract

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a combined T2 mapping approach for the facet joints and intervertebral discs using a single axial slab.

Correlation study between facet joint cartilage and intervertebral discs in early lumbar vertebral degeneration using T2, T2* and T1ρ mapping

“…We performed axial T2, T2* and T1ρ mapping of the LFJ and the IVD (Table 3); the values of the LFJ are close to those for knee joint cartilage[7, 22]. The mean and range of T1ρ values for the FJ cartilage in our study are the first such measurements to be reported.…”

“…Particularly in the early stages of IVD degeneration, it can be difficult to detect the small morphological changes of the LFJ on plain radiography, computed tomography, or conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)[4]. In addition, morphological MRI grading systems for LFJ dysfunction (e.g., Weishaupt grading) tend to have poor inter-rater agreement[7]. …”

“…To the best of our knowledge, only a few articles have explored the relevance of biochemical parameters, such as T2 values for assessing LFJs and IVDs[7, 22]. The aims of this study were to explore whether axial T2, T2* and T1ρ mapping are feasible for evaluating early changes in LFJ, and to determine if there is an association of the T2, T2*, or T1ρ relaxation time between the LFJ and IVD in the degenerative process of the lumbar spine.…”

Facet tropism and facet joint orientation: risk factors for the development of early biochemical alterations of lumbar intervertebral discs

“…In particular, GAG depletion has been demonstrated to play a central part in these degenerative processes which may lead to morphological degradation of IVDs, vertebral bodies, endplates and FJs 11,23,24 . With gagCEST imaging, it is possible to non-invasively visualize and analyze GAG content of the IVDs 15,18,19 .…”

“…Biochemical changes have been suspected to be a precursor to early IVD degeneration 11,23,24 . In particular, GAG depletion has been demonstrated to play a central part in these degenerative processes which may lead to morphological degradation of IVDs, vertebral bodies, endplates and FJs 11,23,24 .…”