Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage in the Athlete: Current Techniques and Spectrum of Disease
Authors
Shindle MK, Foo LF, Kelly BT, Khanna AJ, Domb BG, Farber A, Wanich T, Potter HG
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.F.00614
Purpose
To review the use of advanced MRI techniques for evaluating cartilage pathology in athletes, including detection, characterization, and staging of cartilage injury.
Methods
This is a comprehensive review article that outlines conventional and advanced MRI modalities, such as T2 mapping, delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC), and sodium MRI, as tools for cartilage assessment in sports medicine.
Key Findings
- MRI is essential for evaluating cartilage integrity and identifying early degenerative changes before they become evident on standard imaging.
- dGEMRIC and T2 mapping can assess biochemical cartilage changes, offering potential for earlier diagnosis of cartilage injury and disease progression.
- These tools can guide treatment and return-to-play decisions.
Conclusion
MRI technology, especially newer quantitative techniques, provides a valuable, non-invasive method for detecting early cartilage injury and evaluating joint health in athletes.
What This Means for Patients
Athletes with joint pain can benefit from advanced MRI techniques that detect cartilage damage early, allowing for better treatment and prevention of long-term joint deterioration.