Recent Advances in MRI of the Articular Cartilage of the Knee

Abstract

Background: Articular cartilage is a vital component of the joint, as it is frequently exposed to trauma and is affected by several  conditions and diseases such as osteoarthritis and hemophilic arthropathy. Therefore, its evaluation and assessment are crucial.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in its evaluation. With the recent advances in MRI imaging, multiple techniques  and modalities allow both morphological and physiological evaluation of articular cartilage. Morphological methods allow the evaluation  of articular cartilage structural integrity, and physiological methods allow the evaluation of chemical changes in its components even  prior to degeneration. This aids in the early detection and improved assessment of articular cartilage pathology. Therefore, it permits a  more accurate evaluation of patients with articular cartilage issues and defects, allowing for prompt treatment and high better quality of  life. This article reviews recent and innovative MRI techniques and sequences for morphological and functional evaluation of the  cartilage.

Methods: A broad-based internet search, utilizing multiple academic search engines, Google Scholar, and PubMed, using the  keywords for title and abstract. We found 17500 results and excluded 1700 papers from the title and abstract. Furthermore, papers  emphasizing the imaging of specific peripheral joints without discussing the main techniques were excluded. Finally, our search yielded  15 articles highlighting the most recent imaging and evaluation techniques for articular cartilage. Recent advancements and new MRI  techniques aid in elucidating the anatomical and physiological details of articular cartilage, allowing for the early detection and treatment of the articular cartilage.

Conclusions: Multiple recent advances and new MRI techniques help better delineate the anatomical and  physiological details of the articular cartilage, so early interference and treatment of cartilage defects.