MRI-based Cartilage Research Articles

Clinical comprehensive of microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and periosteum-covered iliac bone grafting for Hepple stage IV-V lesions.

Chronic ankle pain significantly impairs daily activities and athletic performance with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in Hepple stages IV and V, which are often causative factors. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for the treatment of these conditions. This retrospective study was conducted from May 2020 to May 2023 at Cangzhou Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Combined Hospital, including patients with a diagnosis of Hepple stage IV or V OLT confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy. Surgical interventions involved arthroscopic debridement, followed by AOT or limited arthrotomy based on the location and size of the lesion. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations used the Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, MRI-Based Cartilage Repair Tissue Scoring, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired-sample t tests to compare the preoperative and postoperative data. Twenty patients were included, revealing significant postoperative improvements in Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and MRI-based cartilage repair tissue scores (P < .05). The radiographic findings suggested effective cartilage regeneration. No adverse effects were observed in the donor knee sites, as confirmed by the stable pre- and postoperative International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form scores. Recovery of physical abilities was achieved on average within 7.3 weeks for daily activities and 13.4 weeks for sports activities. AOT effectively treats Hepple stage IV-V OLT, improves ankle function, promotes cartilage regrowth, and allows quick resumption of daily and athletic activities without compromising donor-site integrity.

Investigating the relationship between radiographic joint space width loss and deep learning-derived magnetic resonance imaging-based cartilage thickness loss in the medial weight-bearing region of the tibiofemoral joint

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between measures of radiographic joint space width (JSW) loss and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cartilage thickness loss in the medial weight-bearing region of the tibiofemoral joint over 12–24 months. To stratify this relationship by clinically meaningful subgroups (sex and pain status). DesignWe analyzed a subset of knees (n ​= ​256) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) likely in early stage OA based on joint space narrowing (JSN) measurements. Natural logarithm transformation was used to approximate near normal distributions for JSW loss. Pearson Correlation coefficients described the relationship between ln-transformed JSW loss and several versions of deep learning-derived MRI-based cartilage thickness loss parameters (minimum, maximum, and mean) in subregions of the femoral condyle, tibial plateau, and combined femoral and tibial regions. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated the associations between the ln-transformed radiographic and MRI-derived measures including potential confounders. ResultsWe found weak correlations between ln-transformed JSW loss and MRI-based cartilage thickness ranging from R ​= ​−0.13 (p ​= ​0.20) to R ​= ​0.26 (p ​< ​0.01). Correlations were higher (still poor) among females compared to males and painful compared to non-painful knees. Model results showed weak associations for nearly all MRI-based measures, ranging from no association to β (95% CI) ​= ​0.25 (0.11, 0.39). Associations were higher among females compared to males and minimal differences between painful and non-painful knees. ConclusionsDespite its recommended use in disease-modifying OA drug clinical trials, results suggest that JSW loss is an ineffective proxy measure of cartilage thickness loss over 12–24 months and within a localized region of the tibiofemoral joint.

Quantitative Cartilage T2 and T1rho Mapping: Is There a Clinical Role? From the AJR Special Series on Quantitative Imaging.

Despite more than 20 years of development, the MRI-based cartilage compositional biomarkers T2 and T1rho have not been routinely applied in clinical practice. This review examines these measures' historical development and frames the challenges in the application of these quantitative imaging tools to the care of patients with cartilage injury and osteoarthritis using the hierarchical model of efficacy proposed by Fryback and Thornbury. T2 and T1rho have been validated for the evaluation of early compositional and structural changes in cartilage extracellular matrix. Yet, these biomarkers lack direct correlation with pain or function loss, lack standardization of methods for acquisition and analysis, and have a limited role in guiding therapeutic management given the absence of effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs. These issues present significant challenges in the path to the biomarkers' future implementation in clinical care. Nonetheless, these MRI-based cartilage compositional biomarkers provide an essential tool for musculoskeletal research and can provide important information on the biophysical properties of cartilage that will continue to contribute to our understanding of cartilage injury and osteoarthritis pathogenesis.

MRI-based cartilage changes and clinical effectiveness of autologous intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections in symptomatic patients with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee

BackgroundAn autologous blood product containing a high percentage of various growth factors, cytokines, and modulating factors such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is thought to play a role in chondral remodeling by promoting the production of cartilage matrix molecules and repairing and regenerating articular cartilage. In symptomatic patients with moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, we aimed to investigate MRI-based cartilage changes and the clinical efficacy of autologous intra-articular PRP injections.ResultsThirty-three patients with grades 2 and 3 OA of knees as per Kellgren and Lawrence OA classification underwent three consecutive PRP injections at monthly intervals. These patients were followed up monthly for the first 3 months, and then after every 3 months at 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. There was statistically significant improvement in joint pain and functionality with the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores showing a reduction from 7 ± 2 at baseline to 2.76 ± 1.34 at 12 months and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Score (WOMAC) scores declining from 77.91 ± 1 1.6 at baseline to 23.61 ± 19.1 at 12 months (p < 0.05). The reduction in VAS and WOMAC scores was maximum during the first 3 months after PRP therapy. MRI showed a statistically insignificant improvement in cartilage thickness [Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) 3.15 ± 1.41 to 3.3 ± 0.84) (p > 0.05)].ConclusionsPRP had a positive effect on pain alleviation and patient functioning, but there was no significant change in articular cartilage as measured by MRI.

Exploring the differences between radiographic joint space width and MRI cartilage thickness changes using data from the IMI-APPROACH cohort.

Longitudinal weight-bearing radiographic joint space width (JSW) and non-weight-bearing MRI-based cartilage thickness changes often show weak correlations. The current objective was to investigate these correlations, and to explore the influence of different factors that could contribute to longitudinal differences between the two methods. The current study included 178 participants with medial osteoarthritis (OA) out of the 297 knee OA participants enrolled in the IMI-APPROACH cohort. Changes over 2years in medial JSW (ΔJSWmed), minimum JSW (ΔJSWmin), and medial femorotibial cartilage thickness (ΔMFTC) were assessed using linear regression, using measurements from radiographs and MRI acquired at baseline, 6months, and 1 and 2years. Pearson R correlations were calculated. The influence of cartilage quality (T2 mapping), meniscal extrusion (MOAKS scoring), potential pain-induced unloading (difference in knee-specific pain scores), and increased loading (BMI) on the correlations was analyzed by dividing participants in groups based on each factor separately, and comparing correlations (slope and strength) between groups using linear regression models. Correlations between ΔMFTC and ΔJSWmed and ΔJSWmin were statistically significant (p < 0.004) but weak (R < 0.35). Correlations were significantly different between groups based on cartilage quality and on meniscal extrusion: only patients with the lowest T2 values and with meniscal extrusion showed significant moderate correlations. Pain-induced unloading or BMI-induced loading did not influence correlations. While the amount of loading does not seem to make a difference, weight-bearing radiographic JSW changes are a better reflection of non-weight-bearing MRI cartilage thickness changes in knees with higher quality cartilage and with meniscal extrusion.

Machine learning to predict incident radiographic knee osteoarthritis over 8 Years using combined MR imaging features, demographics, and clinical factors: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

To develop a machine learning-based prediction model for incident radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee over 8 years using MRI-based cartilage biochemical composition and knee joint structure, demographics, and clinical predictors including muscle strength and symptoms. Individuals (n=1,044) with baseline Kellgren Lawrence (KL) grade 0-1 in the right knee from the Osteoarthritis Initiative database were analyzed. 3T MRI at baseline was used to quantify knee cartilage T2, and Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scores (WORMS) were obtained for cartilage, meniscus, and bone marrow. The outcome was set as true if a subject developed KL grade 2-4 OA in the right knee over 8 years (n=183) and false if the subject remained at KL 0-1 over 8 years (n=861). We developed and compared three models: Model 1: 112 predictors based on OA risk factors; Model 2: top ten predictors based on feature importance score from Model 1 and clinical relevance; Model 3: Model 2 without the imaging predictors. We compared the models using the area under the ROC curve derived from hold-out data. The 10-predictor model (Model 2, that includes cartilage and meniscus WORMS scores and cartilage T2) had a slightly lower AUC (0.772) compared to the model with 112 predictors (Model 1: AUC=0.792, p=0.739); and had a significantly higher AUC compared to the model without MR imaging predictors (Model 3, AUC=0.669, p=0.011). A 10-predictor model including MRI parameters coupled with demographics, symptoms, muscle, and physical activity scores provides good prediction of incident radiographic OA over 8 years.

Meniscus position and size in knees with versus without structural knee osteoarthritis progression: data from the osteoarthritis initiative

ObjectiveTo explore whether and which quantitative 3D measures of medial and/or lateral meniscus position and size are associated with subsequent medial femorotibial structural progression of knee osteoarthritis and to determine the correlation between central slice and total meniscus measures.Materials and MethodsKnees with radiographic osteoarthritis from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants with longitudinal medial MRI-based cartilage thickness and radiographic joint space width (JSW) loss over 12 months were selected. These 37 structural progressor knees (64.7 ± 8.0y, 30.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2, 35% men) were matched 1:1 to 37 non-progressor knees (64.6 ± 9.8y, 30.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2, 35% men) without cartilage thickness or JSW loss. Quantitative measures of meniscus position and size were computed from manual segmentations of coronal baseline MRIs. Cohen’s D was used as measure of effect size.ResultsMaximum extrusion distance of the total medial meniscus and mean extrusion in the central 5 and in the central slice were greater for progressor than non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.58–0.66). No significant differences were observed for medial tibial coverage or mean extrusion (entire meniscus). Among medial meniscus morphology measures, only mean height differed between progressor vs non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.40). Among lateral meniscus measures, height and volume were greater in progressor vs. non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.46–0.83). Mean extrusion measures were highly correlated between the entire meniscus and the central (r = 0.88) or the central 5 (r = 0.93) slices.Conclusions3D maximum and central medial meniscus extrusion may serve as predictors for subsequent structural progression. Central meniscus extrusion measures could substitute 3D extrusion measurement across the entire meniscus.

The QIBA Profile for MRI-based Compositional Imaging of Knee Cartilage.

MRI-based cartilage compositional analysis shows biochemical and microstructural changes at early stages of osteoarthritis before changes become visible with structural MRI sequences and arthroscopy. This could help with early diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment monitoring of osteoarthritis. Spin-lattice relaxation time constant in rotating frame (T1ρ) and T2 mapping are the MRI techniques best established for assessing cartilage composition. Only T2 mapping is currently commercially available, which is sensitive to water, collagen content, and orientation of collagen fibers, whereas T1ρ is more sensitive to proteoglycan content. Clinical application of cartilage compositional imaging is limited by high variability and suboptimal reproducibility of the biomarkers, which was the motivation for creating the Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) Profile for cartilage compositional imaging by the Musculoskeletal Biomarkers Committee of the QIBA. The profile aims at providing recommendations to improve reproducibility and to standardize cartilage compositional imaging. The QIBA Profile provides two complementary claims (summary statements of the technical performance of the quantitative imaging biomarkers that are being profiled) regarding the reproducibility of biomarkers. First, cartilage T1ρ and T2 values are measurable at 3.0-T MRI with a within-subject coefficient of variation of 4%-5%. Second, a measured increase or decrease in T1ρ and T2 of 14% or more indicates a minimum detectable change with 95% confidence. If only an increase in T1ρ and T2 values is expected (progressive cartilage degeneration), then an increase of 12% represents a minimum detectable change over time. The QIBA Profile provides recommendations for clinical researchers, clinicians, and industry scientists pertaining to image data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation and assessment procedures for T1ρ and T2 cartilage imaging and test-retest conformance. This special report aims to provide the rationale for the proposed claims, explain the content of the QIBA Profile, and highlight the future needs and developments for MRI-based cartilage compositional imaging for risk prediction, early diagnosis, and treatment monitoring of osteoarthritis.

Test-retest reliability and smallest detectable change (SDC) of MRI-based cartilage thickness analysis in a large multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial of knee osteoarthritis

Test-retest reliability and smallest detectable change (SDC) of MRI-based cartilage thickness analysis in a large multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial of knee osteoarthritis

Longitudinal Change in Knee Cartilage Thickness and Function in Subjects with and without MRI-Diagnosed Cartilage Damage.

Cartilage damage diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly prevalent in the population. In this article, we explore whether such cartilage damage is associated with greater longitudinal change in 3D cartilage thickness and knee function in subjects without (risk factors of) knee osteoarthritis. Eighty-two knees of Osteoarthritis Initiative healthy reference cohort participants had baseline and 4-year follow-up MRI and knee function data. Baseline presence of semiquantitatively assessed MRI-based cartilage damage (MOAKS [MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score] ≥ grade 1.0) was recorded by an experienced radiologist. Longitudinal femorotibial cartilage thickness change was determined after segmentation, using location-independent methodology. Knee function was evaluated by patient-reported outcomes and functional performance measures. Statistical comparisons included analysis of covariance adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index. Forty-five percent of the participants had cartilage damage in at least one femorotibial subregion; the cartilage thickness change score was 15% greater in participants with than in those without damage (1216 ± 434 vs. 1058 ± 277 µm). This difference reached borderline statistical significance with and without adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index (P = 0.05). No significant differences in the change of patient-reported outcomes of knee function (PASE [physical activity score of the elderly] and WOMAC [Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index]) or chair stand test results were detected. Of those without femorotibial damage, 58% had cartilage damage in at least one femoropatellar subregion; these had a 9% greater femorotibial cartilage change score than those without femoropatellar or femorotibial damage (difference not statistically significant). In the absence of osteoarthritis risk factors, semiquantitatively assessed MRI-based cartilage damage appears to be associated with greater longitudinal location-independent femorotibial cartilage thickness changes, but not with greater functional deteriorations.

Accuracy of MRI-Based Talar Cartilage Thickness Measurement and Talus Bone and Cartilage Modeling: Comparison with Ground-Truth Laser Scan Measurements.

The purpose of this work was to compare measurements of talar cartilage thickness and cartilage and bone surface geometry from clinically feasible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) against high-accuracy laser scan models. Measurement of talar bone and cartilage geometry from MRI would provide useful information for evaluating cartilage changes, selecting osteochondral graft sources or creating patient-specific joint models. Three-dimensional (3D) bone and cartilage models of 7 cadaver tali were created using (1) manual segmentation of high-resolution volumetric sequence 3T MR images and (2) laser scans. Talar cartilage thickness was compared between the laser scan- and MRI-based models for the dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces. The laser scan- and MRI-based cartilage and bone surface models were compared using model-to-model distance. Average cartilage thickness within the dorsal, medial, and lateral surfaces were 0.89 to 1.05 mm measured with laser scanning, and 1.10 to 1.22 mm measured with MRI. MRI-based thickness was 0.16 to 0.32 mm higher on average in each region. The average absolute surface-to-surface differences between laser scan- and MRI-based bone and cartilage models ranged from 0.16 to 0.22 mm for bone (MRI bone models smaller than laser scan models) and 0.35 to 0.38 mm for cartilage (MRI bone models larger than laser scan models). This study demonstrated that cartilage and bone 3D modeling and measurement of average cartilage thickness on the dorsal, medial, and lateral talar surfaces using MRI were feasible and provided similar model geometry and thickness values to ground-truth laser scan-based measurements.

The relation of MRI-based cartilage lesions to knee replacement and knee pain severity in the most study

Purpose: Historically, clinical trials of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have relied on radiographic joint-space width as the primary structural endpoint. Recently, the FDA has indicated that imaging biomarkers of relevance to clinically important outcomes may be considered with sufficiently supportive data, including MRI-based cartilage evaluations. Knee replacement (KR) is considered a clinically relevant endpoint for knee OA since it is typically performed for severe symptomatic knee OA that has failed other therapies and thus considered ‘end-stage’.

Cartilage Imaging in Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the United States. The prevalence of OA is rising due to an aging population and increasing rates of obesity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows an incomparable noninvasive assessment of all joint structures. Irreversible and progressive degradation of the articular cartilage remains the hallmark feature of OA. To date, attempts at developing disease-modifying drugs or biomechanical interventions for treating OA have proven unsuccessful. MRI-based cartilage imaging techniques have continued to advance, however, and will likely play a central role in the development of these joint preservation methods of the future. In this narrative review, we describe clinical MR image acquisition and assessment of cartilage. We discuss the semiquantitative cartilage scoring methods used in research. Lastly, we review the quantitative MRI techniques that allow assessment of changes in the biochemical composition of cartilage, even before the morphological changes are evident.

Meniscus position and size in knees with versus without structural knee osteoarthritis progression - data from the osteoarthritis initiative

To explore whether and which quantitative 3D measures of medial and/or lateral meniscus position and size are associated with subsequent medial femorotibial structural progression of knee osteoarthritis and to determine the correlation between central slice and total meniscus measures. Knees with radiographic osteoarthritis from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants with longitudinal medial MRI-based cartilage thickness and radiographic joint space width (JSW) loss over 12 months were selected. These 37 structural progressor knees (64.7 ± 8.0y, 30.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2, 35% men) were matched 1:1 to 37 non-progressor knees (64.6 ± 9.8y, 30.2 ± 4.4 kg/m2, 35% men) without cartilage thickness or JSW loss. Quantitative measures of meniscus position and size were computed from manual segmentations of coronal baseline MRIs. Cohen’s D was used as measure of effect size. Maximum extrusion distance of the total medial meniscus and mean extrusion in the central 5 and in the central slice were greater for progressor than non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.58–0.66). No significant differences were observed for medial tibial coverage or mean extrusion (entire meniscus). Among medial meniscus morphology measures, only mean height differed between progressor vs non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.40). Among lateral meniscus measures, height and volume were greater in progressor vs. non-progressor knees (Cohen’s D 0.46–0.83). Mean extrusion measures were highly correlated between the entire meniscus and the central (r = 0.88) or the central 5 (r = 0.93) slices. 3D maximum and central medial meniscus extrusion may serve as predictors for subsequent structural progression. Central meniscus extrusion measures could substitute 3D extrusion measurement across the entire meniscus.

Association between radiography-based subchondral bone structure and MRI-based cartilage composition in postmenopausal women with mild osteoarthritis.

Our aim was to investigate the relation between radiograph-based subchondral bone structure and cartilage composition assessed with delayed gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 relaxation time. Ninety-three postmenopausal women (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0: n=13, 1: n=26, 2: n=54) were included. Radiograph-based bone structure was assessed using entropy of the Laplacian-based image (ELap) and local binary patterns (ELBP), homogeneity indices of the local angles (HIAngles,mean, HIAngles,Perp, HIAngles,Paral), and horizontal (FDHor) and vertical fractal dimensions (FDVer). Mean dGEMRIC index and T2 relaxation time of tibial cartilage were calculated to estimate cartilage composition. HIAngles,mean (rs=-0.22) and HIAngles,Paral (rs=-0.24) in medial subchondral bone were related (P<0.05) to dGEMRIC index of the medial tibial cartilage. ELap (rs=-0.23), FDHor,0.34mm (r=0.21) and FDVer,0.68mm (r=0.24) in medial subchondral bone were related (P<0.05) to T2 relaxation time values of the medial tibial cartilage. FDHor at different scales in lateral subchondral bone were related (P<0.01) to dGEMRIC index (r=0.29-0.41) and T2 values of lateral tibial cartilage (r=-0.28 to-0.36). FDVer at larger scales were related (P<0.05) to dGEMRIC index (r=0.24-0.25) and T2 values of lateral tibial cartilage (r=-0.21). HIAngles,Paral (r=-0.25) and FDVer,0.68mm (rs=0.22) in the lateral tibial trabecular bone were related (P<0.05) to dGEMRIC index of the lateral tibial cartilage. Our results support the presumption that several tissues are affected in the early osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, they indicate that the detailed analysis of radiographs may serve as a complementary imaging tool for OA studies.

Diet, nutrition and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the fastest growing cause of disability worldwide[1]. In the absence of effective therapies, patients may wish to take some control of their own condition by making dietary changes that have the potential to ameliorate symptoms or reduce disease progression. A number of dietary factors have been associated with OA symptoms or progression. Most notably, in those overweight, weight reduction of ≥10% has the potential to lead to important changes in pain and function[2]. Losing weight also reduces pain-associated inflammation[3]. Weight loss combined with physical activity has an even greater capacity to improve pain and function[4]. It has been suggested that OA is a metabolic disease in which lipids essentially contribute to the pathophysiology of cartilage degradation[5]. Dietary long-chain ω-3 PUFA may affect articular cartilage composition and appear to have beneficial effects in OA[5]. In a US cohort of individuals with, or at high risk of, knee OA, there was a significant inverse relationship between total n-3 PUFAs and patella-femoral cartilage loss[6]. A positive association has been shown between elevated serum cholesterol and OA; hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.06-2.47) and high serum cholesterol (3rd vs. 1st tertile: OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.02-2.92) were independently associated with generalized OA in the Ulm study [7]. Hence there may be a potential benefit in adopting dietary cholesterol-lowering strategies (such as consumption of sterol/stanol spreads/drinks). Vitamin D affects the state of multiple articular structures. The evidence for association between the vitamin D biomarker, serum 25(OH)D, and OA was assessed in a systematic review. For knee radiographic OA progression and cartilage loss, there was strong evidence for an association with low 25(OH)D[8]. Vitamin K is important in cartilage metabolism as an inhibitor of extracellular matrix calcification and a promoter of cell survival/proliferation. In the US MOST study, vitamin K deficiency was associated with incident radiographic knee OA and MRI-based cartilage lesions (RR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.05-5.40) compared with no deficiency[9]. Hence, dietary recommendations are the following: ▪ lose weight, if overweight, preferably combined with exercise; ▪ reduce plasma cholesterol by dietary means; ▪ at least for a trial period, increase intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids preferably by eating oily fish twice a week; ▪ aim for a safe level of sun exposure, eat rich vitamin-D dietary sources or take vitamin D supplements, ≤ 25 μg/d; ▪ increase vitamin K intake by eating green leafy vegetables.

THU0195 Semiquantitatively Assessed Bone Marrow Lesions, Cartilage Damage, Meniscal Damage and Extrusion PREDICT Quantitatively Measured Cartilage Thickness Loss in the Same Femorotibial Compartment: the Most Study

BackgroundStudies have shown associations of structural progression of knee OA with several MRI-assessed pathologic features such as bone marrow lesions (BMLs) cartilage damage and meniscal lesions1,2. However previous studies commonly...

Cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions and meniscal lesions predict quantitatively measured loss of cartilage over 30-months: the most study

Cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions and meniscal lesions predict quantitatively measured loss of cartilage over 30-months: the most study

Changes in articular cartilage and posterior meniscus geometries after anterior cruciate ligament injury

Changes in articular cartilage and posterior meniscus geometries after anterior cruciate ligament injury

Lateral and medial joint space narrowing predict subsequent cartilage loss in the narrowed, but not in the non-narrowed femorotibial compartment – data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

To determine the predictive value of unicompartimental joint space narrowing (JSN) for MRI-based cartilage thickness loss in the narrowed and the non-narrowed femorotibial compartment. 922 knees from 922 Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants (62.2 ± 9.0 years, 61% females) with radiographic OA (158 without JSN [noJSN], 175 with lateral JSN [latJSN], 589 with medial JSN [medJSN]) were analyzed using 3 T MRI. One-year cartilage thickness change was determined in the lateral (LFTC) and medial femorotibial compartment (MFTC), and in femorotibial subregions. The probability of subsequent cartilage loss was calculated using predefined thresholds. The predictive value of JSN for the probability and magnitude of cartilage loss was compared between latJSN, medJSN and noJSN knees using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney-U tests. The probability of cartilage loss was greater in the narrowed compartment of latJSN/medJSN knees (34.9%/32.4%) than in noJSN knees (13.3%/12.7%, P ≤ 6.4 × 10(-6)) and so was the magnitude of cartilage thickness change (P ≤ 8.2 × 10(-6)). No significant differences were observed between the narrowed compartments of latJSN vs. medJSN knees (probability: P = 0.58, magnitude: P = 0.19) or between the non-narrowed compartment of latJSN/medJSN vs. noJSN knees (probability: P ≥ 0.35, magnitude: P = ≥0.23). These results were confirmed by the location-independent ordered value (OV) analyses of femorotibial subregions. The predictive value of latJSN for lateral compartment cartilage loss was comparable to that of medJSN for medial compartment cartilage loss, whereas cartilage loss in the non-narrowed compartment was similar to that in noJSN knees. These findings provide important clues to predicting progression of knee OA, and in tailoring inclusion criteria for clinical trials.