Cartilage Pathology Research Articles

Does Radiographic Arthrosis Correlate With Cartilage Pathology in Labrador Retrievers Affected by Medial Coronoid Process Disease?

To compare radiographic elbow arthrosis with arthroscopic cartilage pathology in Labrador retrievers with elbow osteoarthritis secondary to medial coronoid process (MCP) disease. Retrospective epidemiological study. Labrador retrievers (n = 317; 592 elbow joints). Data were collected retrospectively (June 2007-June 2011) to identify Labrador retrievers with thoracic limb lameness and elbow pain, a complete set of elbow radiographs, and a comprehensive arthroscopic surgery report. Each radiograph was scored for osteophytosis on the anconeal process and ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis using a modification of the International Elbow Working Group (IEWG) scoring system. Elbows affected by traumatic MCP fracture, humeral condylar osteochondrosis, or ununited anconeal process were excluded. The arthroscopic report was used to generate a composite cartilage score (CCS; 0 = normal, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) for each elbow joint. Ordinal regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between radiographic arthrosis score and CCS. There was a significant relationship between radiographic elbow arthrosis and CCS (P < .001). Elbows with a higher radiographic score were significantly more likely to have a higher CCS than elbows with a lower radiographic score. For every month increase in age, the odds of having a higher CCS increased by 0.016 (1.6%). Radiographic arthrosis can be used to predict the severity of arthroscopic cartilage pathology in Labrador retrievers affected by MCP disease.

Characterization of Mechanotransensitivity of Articular Chondrocytes

Articular cartilage is a protective soft connective tissue lining the ends of bones in weight-bearing joints. It sustains numerous cycles of mechanical loading during normal joint activity. Recent studies showed that mechanical factors not only play a critical role in the pathology of cartilage, e.g. initiation of degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis (OA); but also influence the metabolic response of chondrocytes, the only cellular element of cartilage. One of the early events implicated in chondrocyte mechanotransduction is a transient increase of the intracellular Ca2+ ions. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate mechanotransduction mechanisms of chondrocytes both in healthy cartilage and in cartilage damaged by OA. Our objective of this study is to characterize the mechanical loading induced Ca2+ influx of chondrocytes, and to verify the key components contributing to chondrocytes' mechanosensitivity by using selected chemical compounds (Thapsigargin, GSK205, Ruthenium red, FM1-43, Cytochalasin-D, dynasore). Methodologically, we employ ratiometric calcium imaging, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and electrophysiology techniques. Our result reveals that chondrocytes are mechanosensitive cells. Typically, we observe individual chondrocytes taking up Ca2+ at ∼600 nM, where basal level of ∼100 nM Ca2+, in response to mechanical loading of ∼300 nN. The Ca2+ influx is mostly from extracellular rather than internal sources. In this meeting, we will introduce our combined measurement platform of AFM and Ca2+ imaging, and present detailed data of the molecular mechanisms governing mechanically-induced transient Ca2+ influx of chondrocytes.

The role of PGRN in musculoskeletal development and disease

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor that has been implicated in wound healing, inflammation, infection, tumorigenesis, and is most known for its neuroprotective and proliferative properties in neurodegenerative disease. This pleiotropic growth factor has been found to be a key player and regulator of a diverse spectrum of multi-systemic functions. Its critical anti-inflammatory role in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disease models has allowed for the propulsion of research to establish its significance in musculoskeletal diseases, including inflammatory conditions involving bone and cartilage pathology. In this review, we aim to elaborate on the emerging role of PGRN in the musculoskeletal system, reviewing its particular mechanisms described in various musculoskeletal diseases, with special focus on osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disease patho-mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications of PGRN and its derivatives in these and other musculoskeletal diseases.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Articular Cartilage Pathology

Using systematic review methodology, we endeavored to answer the following questions concerning the treatment of osteochondral pathology: (1) what pathologies have been treated in vivo with the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP); (2) what methods of PRP preparation and delivery have been reported; (3) what assessment tools and comparison group have been used to assess its effectiveness; and (4) what are the clinical outcomes of its use. A systematic literature search was performed of the OVID, EMBASE, and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews databases to identify all studies published up to October 2012 that assessed clinical outcomes of the use of PRP for the treatment of chondral and osteochondral pathology, excluding those including concomitant management of acute fractures or ligament reconstruction. The included studies were reviewed and the following data were extracted and tabulated: study authors' year and journal, study design and level of evidence, pathology treated, methods of PRP preparation and delivery, and clinical outcome scores. Ten studies were included in the final analysis. The majority of studies assessed the use of PRP in the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee or hip (representing 570 of a total of 662 joints). The majority of patients were treated with intra-articular injections, whereas 2 studies used PRP as an adjunct to surgical treatment. Significant improvements in joint-specific clinical scores (7 of 8 studies), general health scores (4 of 4 studies), and pain scores (4 of 6 studies) compared with baseline were reported up to 6-month follow-up, but few studies provided longer-term data. No studies reported worse scores compared with baseline at final follow-up. Three of 4 comparative studies reported significantly better clinical and/or pain scores when compared with hyaluronic acid injections at similar follow-up times. Currently, there is a paucity of data supporting the use of PRP for the management of focal traumatic osteochondral defects. There is limited evidence suggesting short-term clinical benefits with the use of PRP for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee, but the studies published to date are of poor quality and at high risk for bias. Further high-quality comparative studies with longer follow-up are needed to ascertain whether PRP is beneficial, either alone or as an adjunct to surgical procedures, in the management of articular cartilage pathology.

Evaluation of Labral Pathology and Hip Articular Cartilage in Patients with Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): Comparison of Multidetector CT Arthrography and MR Arthrography.

SummaryBackgroundTo compare the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) arthrography (CTa) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography (MRa) findings with surgical findings in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of these methods.Material/MethodsLabral pathology and articular cartilage were prospectively evaluated with MRa and CTa in 14 hips of 14 patients. The findings were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists with 10 and 20 years of experience, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value were determined using surgical findings as the standard of reference.ResultsWhile the disagreement between observers was recorded in two cases of labral tearing with MRa, there was a complete consensus with CTa. Disagreement between observers was found in four cases of femoral cartilage loss with both MRa and CTa. Disagreement was also recorded in only one case of acetabular cartilage loss with both methods. The percent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for correctly assessing the labral tearing were as follows for MRa/CTa, respectively: 100/100, 50/100, 86/100 (p<0.05). The same values for acetabular cartilage assessment were 89/56, 40/60, 71/71 (p>0.05) and for femoral cartilage assessment were 100/75, 90/70, 86/71 (p>0.05). Inter-observer reliability value showed excellent agreement for labral tearing with CTa (κ=1.0). Inter-observer agreement was substantial to excellent with regard to acetabular cartilage assessment with MRa and CTa (κ=0.76 for MRa and κ=0.86 for CTa)ConclusionsInter-observer reliability with CTa is excellent for labral tearing assessment. CTa seems to have an equal sensitivity and a higher specificity than MRa for the detection of labral pathology. MRa is better, but not statistically significantly, in demonstrating acetabular and femoral cartilage pathology.

Effects of glucosamine and risedronate alone or in combination in an experimental rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

BackgroundThe osteoarthritis (OA) treatment in humans and in animals is a major orthopaedic challenge because there is not an ideal drug for preserving the joint structure and function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the treatment with oral glucosamine and risedronate alone or in combination on articular cartilage, synovial membrane and subchondral bone in an experimental rabbit model of OA. Osteoarthritis was surgically induced on one knee of 32 New Zealand White rabbits using the contralateral as healthy controls. Three weeks later treatments were started and lasted 8 weeks. Animal were divided in four groups of oral treatment: the first group received only saline, the second 21.5 mg/kg/day of glucosamine sulfate, the third 0.07 mg/kg/day of risedronate; and the fourth group both drugs simultaneously at the same dosages. Following sacrifice femurs were removed and osteochondral cylinders and synovial membrane were obtained for its histological and micro-CT evaluation.ResultsSample analysis revealed that the model induced osteoarthritic changes in operated knees. OA placebo group showed a significant increase in cartilage thickness respect to the control and inflammatory changes in synovial membrane; whereas subchondral bone structure and volumetric bone mineral density remained unchanged. All the treated animals showed an improvement of the cartilage swelling independent of the drug used. Treatment with glucosamine alone seemed to have no effect in the progression of cartilage pathology while risedronate treatment had better results in superficial fibrillation and in resolving the inflammatory changes of the tissues, as well as modifying the orientation of trabecular lattice. The combination of both compounds seemed to have additive effects showing better results than those treated with only one drug.ConclusionsThe results of this animal study suggested that glucosamine sulfate and risedronate treatment alone or in combination may be able to stop cartilage swelling. The risedronate treatment could partially stop the fibrillation and the inflammation of synovial membrane as well as modify the orientation of trabeculae in healthy and in osteoarthritic knees.

In vivo diagnostics of human knee cartilage lesions using delayed CBCT arthrography

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of delayed cone beam (CBCT) arthrography for clinical diagnostics of knee cartilage lesions. Knee joints with cartilage lesions were imaged using native radiography, MRI, and delayed CBCT arthrography techniques in vivo. The joints were imaged three times with CBCT, just before, immediately after (arthrography) and 45 min after the intra-articular injection of contrast agent. The arthrographic images enabled sensitive detection of the cartilage lesions. Use of arthrographic and delayed images together with their subtraction image enabled also detection of cartilage with inferior integrity. The contrast agent partition in intact cartilage (ICRS grade 0) was lower (p < 0.05) than that of cartilage surrounding the ICRS grade I-IV lesions. Delayed CBCT arthrography provides a novel method for diagnostics of cartilage lesions. Potentially, it can also be used in diagnostics of cartilage degeneration. Due to shorter imaging times, higher resolution, and lower costs of CT over MRI, this technique could provide an alternative for diagnostics of knee pathologies. However, for comprehensive evaluation of the clinical potential of the technique a further clinical study with a large pool of patients having a wide range of cartilage pathologies needs to be conducted.

Complex Cartilage Cases in the Athletic Patient: Advances in Malalignment, Instability, Articular Defects, and Meniscal Insufficiency

For sports medicine specialists, patients presenting with multiple coexisting knee pathologies can be some of the most difficult to treat patients, especially those with cartilage pathology. In particular, articular cartilage lesions are often incidental findings, and the decision to treat patients must be based on the lesions' confirmed contribution to patient symptomatology. The combination of malalignment, ligamentous instability, and chondral/meniscal damage in patients is challenging to treat because of the difficulty in determining both the relative contribution of each of the pathologies to patient clinical condition and the timing of performing specific corrective procedures. Corrective operations performed in isolation to treat each of the pathologies have historically produced reasonable results in patients; however, combined procedures for treatment of combined pathologies may prove essential for the success of any single procedure. This review describes the clinical evaluation of patients with multiple coexisting knee pathologies and highlights current evidence-based treatment strategies for the management of these combined disorders.

Basic Knee Arthroscopy Part 3: Diagnostic Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of disorders of the knee. In a series of 4 articles, the basics of knee arthroscopy are reviewed. In this article (part 3), step-by-step diagnostic arthroscopy is reviewed. Diagnostic arthroscopy is a crucial skill for diagnosing intra-articular disorders of the knee including meniscal, synovial, ligamentous, and articular cartilage pathology. Mastery of the basic diagnostic arthroscopy is a critical tool for orthopaedic surgeons treating disorders of the knee.

Toll‐like Receptor 2 Controls Acute Immune Complex–Driven Arthritis in Mice by Regulating the Inhibitory Fcγ Receptor IIB

Previous studies have demonstrated a protective role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and a proinflammatory function of TLR-4 during chronic T cell-driven arthritis. The involvement of TLRs in T cell-independent arthritic processes, however, remains unclear. This study was undertaken to determine the functional significance of TLR-2 and TLR-4 in T cell-independent immune complex-driven arthritis. Serum-transfer arthritis was induced in wild-type and TLR-deficient mice by intraperitoneal injections of arthritogenic K/BxN mouse serum. Arthritis was assessed macroscopically and by histologic analysis. The influence of TLR-2 on macrophage cytokine profile, Fcγ receptor (FcγR) expression, and response to immune complexes was determined. While TLR-4, unexpectedly, did not play any significant role, TLR-2 deficiency accelerated the onset and markedly increased the severity of acute immune complex-driven arthritis in mice. TLR-2 deficiency resulted in a substantial increase in joint inflammation, bone erosion, and cartilage pathology, indicating a protective function of TLR-2 in passive FcγR-driven disease. Ex vivo study of the macrophage inflammatory phenotype revealed increased production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) despite similar levels of IL-10, along with a significant increase in FcγR-specific response, in TLR-2-/- mouse macrophages early in the disease. Although distinct FcγR messenger RNA expression was not affected, cell surface protein expression of the inhibitory FcγRIIB in TLR-2-/- naive primary macrophages was specifically diminished, resulting in a higher proinflammatory response. Accordingly, TLR-2 stimulation specifically up-regulated FcγRIIB, but not the activating FcγR, on macrophages. TLR-2 regulates acute immune complex-driven arthritis by controlling macrophage FcγR response. Our findings indicate that the protective role of TLR-2 is extended beyond its previously described role in promoting Treg cells during T cell-mediated arthritis.

MRI of the hip at 7T: Feasibility of bone microarchitecture, high-resolution cartilage, and clinical imaging

To demonstrate the feasibility of performing bone microarchitecture, high-resolution cartilage, and clinical imaging of the hip at 7T. This study had Institutional Review Board approval. Using an 8-channel coil constructed in-house, we imaged the hips of 15 subjects on a 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We applied: 1) a T1-weighted 3D fast low angle shot (3D FLASH) sequence (0.23 × 0.23 × 1-1.5 mm(3) ) for bone microarchitecture imaging; 2) T1-weighted 3D FLASH (water excitation) and volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences (0.23 × 0.23 × 1.5 mm(3) ) with saturation or inversion recovery-based fat suppression for cartilage imaging; 3) 2D intermediate-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences without and with fat saturation (0.27 × 0.27 × 2 mm) for clinical imaging. Bone microarchitecture images allowed visualization of individual trabeculae within the proximal femur. Cartilage was well visualized and fat was well suppressed on FLASH and VIBE sequences. FSE sequences allowed visualization of cartilage, the labrum (including cartilage and labral pathology), joint capsule, and tendons. This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility of performing a clinically comprehensive hip MRI protocol at 7T, including high-resolution imaging of bone microarchitecture and cartilage, as well as clinical imaging.

The Circadian Clock in Murine Chondrocytes Regulates Genes Controlling Key Aspects of Cartilage Homeostasis

ObjectiveTo characterize the circadian clock in murine cartilage tissue and identify tissue-specific clock target genes, and to investigate whether the circadian clock changes during aging or during cartilage degeneration using an experimental mouse model of osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsCartilage explants were obtained from aged and young adult mice after transduction with the circadian clock fusion protein reporter PER2::luc, and real-time bioluminescence recordings were used to characterize the properties of the clock. Time-series microarrays were performed on mouse cartilage tissue to identify genes expressed in a circadian manner. Rhythmic genes were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction using mouse tissue, primary chondrocytes, and a human chondrocyte cell line. Experimental OA was induced in mice by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), and articular cartilage samples were microdissected and subjected to microarray analysis.ResultsMouse cartilage tissue and a human chondrocyte cell line were found to contain intrinsic molecular circadian clocks. The cartilage clock could be reset by temperature signals, while the circadian period was temperature compensated. PER2::luc bioluminescence demonstrated that circadian oscillations were significantly lower in amplitude in cartilage from aged mice. Time-series microarray analyses of the mouse tissue identified the first circadian transcriptome in cartilage, revealing that 615 genes (∼3.9% of the expressed genes) displayed a circadian pattern of expression. This included genes involved in cartilage homeostasis and survival, as well as genes with potential importance in the pathogenesis of OA. Several clock genes were disrupted in the early stages of cartilage degeneration in the DMM mouse model of OA.ConclusionThese results reveal an autonomous circadian clock in chondrocytes that can be implicated in key aspects of cartilage biology and pathology. Consequently, circadian disruption (e.g., during aging) may compromise tissue homeostasis and increase susceptibility to joint damage or disease.

The roles of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling in human de-differentiated articular chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the world and it is becoming a major public health problem. Osteoarthritic chondrocytes undergo morphological and biochemical changes that lead to de-differentiation. The involvement of signaling pathways, such as the Wnt pathway, during cartilage pathology has been reported. Wnt signaling regulates critical biological processes. Wnt signals are transduced through at least three intracellular signaling pathways including the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the Wnt/Ca2 + pathway and the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway. We investigated the involvement of the Wnt canonical and non-canonical pathways in human articular chondrocyte de-differentiation in vitro. Human articular chondrocytes were cultured through four passages with no treatment, or with sFRP3 treatment, an inhibitor of Wnt pathways, or with DKK1 treatment, an inhibitor of the canonical pathway. Chondrocyte-secreted markers and Wnt pathway components were analyzed using western blotting and qPCR. Inhibition of the Wnt pathway showed that the canonical Wnt signaling probably is responsible for inhibition of collagen II expression, activation of metalloproteinase 13 expression and regulation of Wnt7a and c-jun expression during chondrocyte de-differentiation in vitro. Our results also suggest that expressions of eNOS, Wnt5a and cyclinE1 are regulated by non-canonical Wnt signaling.

Wnt signaling is involved in human articular chondrocyte de-differentiation in vitro

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis in the world. Certain signaling pathways, such as the wnt pathway, are involved in cartilage pathology. Osteoarthritic chondrocytes undergo morphological and biochemical changes that lead to chondrocyte de-differentiation. We investigated whether the Wnt pathway is involved in de-differentiation of human articular chondrocytes in vitro. Human articular chondrocytes were cultured for four passages in the presence or absence of IL-1 in monolayer or micromass culture. Changes in cell morphology were monitored by light microscopy. Protein and gene expression of chondrocyte markers and Wnt pathway components were determined by Western blotting and qPCR after culture. After culturing for four passages, chondrocytes exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology. Collagen type II and aggrecan protein and gene expression decreased, while collagen type I, matrix metalloproteinase 13, and nitric oxide synthase expressions increased. Wnt molecule expression profiles changed; Wnt5a protein expression, the Wnt target gene, c-jun, and in Wnt pathway regulator, sFRP4 increased. Treatment with IL-1 caused chondrocyte morphology to become more filament-like. This change in morphology was accompanied by extinction of col II expression and increased col I, MMP13 and eNOS expression. Changes in expression of the Wnt pathway components also were observed. Wnt7a decreased significantly, while Wnt5a, LRP5, β-catenin and c-jun expressions increased. Culture of human articular chondrocytes with or without IL-1 not only induced chondrocyte de-differentiation, but also changed the expression profiles of Wnt components, which suggests that the Wnt pathway is involved in chondrocyte de-differentiation in vitro.

Strain-dependent oxidant release in articular cartilage originates from mitochondria

Mechanical loading is essential for articular cartilage homeostasis and plays a central role in the cartilage pathology, yet the mechanotransduction processes that underlie these effects remain unclear. Previously, we showed that lethal amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were liberated from the mitochondria in response to mechanical insult and that chondrocyte deformation may be a source of ROS. To this end, we hypothesized that mechanically induced mitochondrial ROS is related to the magnitude of cartilage deformation. To test this, we measured axial tissue strains in cartilage explants subjected to semi-confined compressive stresses of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 MPa. The presence of ROS was then determined by confocal imaging with dihydroethidium, an oxidant sensitive fluorescent probe. Our results indicated that ROS levels increased linearly relative to the magnitude of axial strains (r(2) = 0.87, p < 0.05), and significant cell death was observed at strains >40%. By contrast, hydrostatic stress, which causes minimal tissue strain, had no significant effect. Cell-permeable superoxide dismutase mimetic Mn(III)tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride significantly decreased ROS levels at 0.5 and 0.25 MPa. Electron transport chain inhibitor, rotenone, and cytoskeletal inhibitor, cytochalasin B, significantly decreased ROS levels at 0.25 MPa. Our findings strongly suggest that ROS and mitochondrial oxidants contribute to cartilage mechanobiology.

Comparison of PD BLADE with fat saturation (FS), PD FS and T2 3D DESS with water excitation (WE) in detecting articular knee cartilage defects

The purpose of this study, is to compare the sequences: 1) proton density (PD) BLADE (BLADE is a PROPELLER-equivalent implementation of the Siemens Medical System) with fat saturation (FS) coronal (COR), 2) PD FS COR, 3) multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) with 3mm slice thickness and 4) multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) with 1.5mm slice thickness, both from the T2 3D-double-echo steady state (DESS) with water excitation (WE) sagittal (SAG), regarding their abilities to identify changes in the femorotibial condyle cartilage in knee MRI examinations. Thirty three consecutive patients with osteoarthritis (18 females, 15 males; mean age 56years, range 37–71years), who had been routinely scanned for knee examination using the previously mentioned image acquisition techniques, participated in the study. A quantitative analysis was performed based on the relative contrast (ReCON) measurements, which were taken both on normal tissues as well as on pathologies. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was performed by two radiologists. Motion and pulsatile flow artifacts were evaluated. The PD BLADE FS COR sequence produced images of higher contrast between Menisci and Cartilage, Fluid and Cartilage, Pathologies and Cartilage as well as of the Conspicuousness Superficial Cartilage and it was found to be superior to the other sequences (p<0.001). The sequences T2 3D DESS 1.5mm and T2 3D DESS 3mm were significantly superior to the PD BLADE FS COR and the PD FS COR sequences in the visualization of Bone and Cartilage and the Conspicuousness Deep Surface Cartilage. This pattern of results is also confirmed by the quantitative analysis. PD FS BLADE sequences are ideal for the depiction of the cartilage pathologies compared to the conventional PD FS and T2 3D DESS sequences.

Diagnostic Imaging of Femoroacetabular Impingement

Imaging studies play a key role in establishing the diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). When clinical examination is suggestive of FAI, radiographic evidence should confirm the diagnosis. Imaging findings must be evaluated in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and recreational activities. Plain radiographic evaluation remains the initial diagnostic modality. Three-dimensional imaging such as MRI and CT often is obtained for the evaluation of labral and cartilage pathology, definition of bony anatomy, and surgical planning.

SU‐E‐I‐71: Detection of Articular Knee Cartilage Defects Using PD BLADE with Fat Saturation (FS), PD FS and T2 3D DESS with Water Excitation (WE)

Purpose: The purpose of this study, is to compare the sequences: 1) proton density (PD) BLADE with fat saturation (FS) coronal (COR), 2) PD FS COR, 3) multi‐planar reconstruction (MPR) with 3mm slice thickness and 4) multi‐planar reconstruction (MPR) with 1.5mm slice thickness, both derived from the T2 3D‐double‐echo steady state (DESS) with water excitation (WE) sagittal (SAG) sequence, regarding their abilities to identify changes in the femorotibial condyle cartilage in knee MRI examinations. Methods: Thirty three consecutive patients with osteoarthritis (18 females, 15 males; mean age 56 years, range 37‐71 years), who had been routinely scanned for knee examination using the previously mentioned image acquisition techniques, participated in the study. A quantitative analysis was performed based on the relative contrast (ReCON) measurements, which were taken both on normal tissues as well as on pathologies. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was performed by two radiologists. Motion and pulsatile flow artifacts were evaluated. Results: The PD BLADE FS COR sequence produced images of higher contrast between Menisci and Cartilage, Fluid and Cartilage, Pathologies and Cartilage as well as of the Conspicuousness Superficial Cartilage and it was found to be superior to the other sequences (p&lt;0.001). The sequences T2 3D DESS 1.5mm and T2 3D DESS 3mm were significantly superior to the PD BLADE FS COR and the PD FS COR sequences in the visualization of Bone, Cartilage and the Conspicuousness Deep Surface Cartilage. This pattern of results is also confirmed by the quantitative analysis. Also, in the PD BLADE FS COR sequence, the results of the Truncation Artifact, Pulsation Artifact, Edge Sharpness and Blurring Artifacts, were superior to the other sequences (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: PD FS BLADE sequences are ideal for the depiction of the cartilage pathologies compared to the conventional PD FS and T2 3D DESS sequences.

OP0270 The association of delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (DGEMRIC) and cartilage morphometry in a sample of middle-aged women: A 2-year follow-up MRI study

BackgroundDelayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) may detect early cartilage pathology as it allows assessment of matrix proteoglycan content. It is not known whether changes in dGEMRIC indices are associated...

THU0022 Enhanced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 in arthritic cartilage dysregulates human chondrocyte function

BackgroundThe intracellular suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-proteins are inducible and negative regulators in receptor signaling pathways of several cytokines, toll-like receptor ligands and some growth factors. We previously have shown...