Imaging of Cartilage and Chondral Defects: An Overview



Nischal, Neha, Iyengar, Karthikeyan P ORCID: 0000-0002-4379-1266, Herlekar, Deepak and Botchu, Rajesh
(2023) Imaging of Cartilage and Chondral Defects: An Overview. LIFE-BASEL, 13 (2). 363-.

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Abstract

A healthy articular cartilage is paramount to joint function. Cartilage defects, whether acute or chronic, are a significant source of morbidity. This review summarizes various imaging modalities used for cartilage assessment. While radiographs are insensitive, they are still widely used to indirectly assess cartilage. Ultrasound has shown promise in the detection of cartilage defects, but its efficacy is limited in many joints due to inadequate visualization. CT arthrography has the potential to assess internal derangements of joints along with cartilage, especially in patients with contraindications to MRI. MRI remains the favored imaging modality to assess cartilage. The conventional imaging techniques are able to assess cartilage abnormalities when cartilage is already damaged. The newer imaging techniques are thus targeted at detecting biochemical and structural changes in cartilage before an actual visible irreversible loss. These include, but are not limited to, T2 and T2* mapping, dGEMRI, T1ρ imaging, gagCEST imaging, sodium MRI and integrated PET with MRI. A brief discussion of the advances in the surgical management of cartilage defects and post-operative imaging assessment is also included.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: cartilage imaging, chondral defects, MRI, osteoarthritis
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Medicine
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 31 Jan 2024 11:50
Last Modified: 31 Jan 2024 11:50
DOI: 10.3390/life13020363
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020363
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3178195