Changes in the T2 value of cartilage after meniscus transplantation over 1year.

Abstract

To evaluate the changes in the mean T2 values of articular cartilage on serial follow-up images up to 1year in patients who underwent lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT). Fifty-two patients who underwent lateral MAT surgery at our hospital were evaluated preoperatively and at 2days, 6weeks, 3months, 6months, and 1year after MAT using 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that included T2 mapping. T2 value changes according to the arthroscopic grading of chondromalacia were evaluated in the lateral and medial compartment. Lysholm scores were obtained pre- and postoperatively. The T2 values of cartilage were significantly increased 2days after operation, and then gradually reduced to the baseline level after 1year in both compartments. In morphologic assessment performed after 1year, most areas (92.9%) showed no interval change of chondromalacia grade. Lyshom knee scores increased significantly from the mean preoperative value of 62.5 (range, 23-95) to 89.7 (range, 64-100) at 1year (p < 0.001). Mean T2 values of cartilage following MAT exhibited a return to baseline level after 1year. T2 measurement can be a useful tool for quantitative evaluation of postoperative cartilage changes compared to conventional MRI. • T2 mapping provides objective data for longitudinal monitoring following surgery. • Increased cartilage T2 values post-MAT returned to baseline in one year. • Further studies are required to predict the chondroprotective effect of MAT.