T2*-Mapping of Knee Cartilage in Response to Mechanical Loading in Alpine Skiing: A Feasibility Study

Diagnostics

Jens Dreyhaupt¹  Thomas Martensen²  Uwe Schütz²  Martin Wegener²  Meinrad Beer²  Sebastian Kleiner³  Hans-Joachim Wilke⁴ 

[1] Department of Biometrics, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University Munich, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 München, Germany;Trauma Research Centre, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;

关键词: T2-mapping;    cartilage;    osteoarthritis;    knee;    ski;    MRI;   

DOI  :  10.3390/diagnostics12061391

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Purpose: This study intends to establish a study protocol for the quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) measurement of biochemical changes in knee cartilage induced by mechanical stress during alpine skiing with the implementation of new spring-loaded ski binding. Methods: The MRI-knee-scans (T2*-mapping) of four skiers using a conventional and a spring-loaded ski binding system, alternately, were acquired before and after 1 h/4 h of exposure to alpine skiing. Intrachondral T2* analysis on 60 defined regions of interest in the femorotibial knee joint (FTJ) was conducted. Intra- and interobserver variability and relative changes in the cartilage T2* signal and thickness were calculated. Results: A relevant decrease in the T2* time after 4 h of alpine skiing could be detected at the majority of measurement times. After overnight recovery, the T2* time increased above baseline. Although, the total T2* signal in the superficial cartilage layers was higher than that in the lower ones, no differences between the layers in the T2* changes could be detected. The central and posterior cartilage zones of the FTJ responded with a stronger T2* alteration than the anterior zones. Conclusions: For the first time, a quantitative MRI study setting could be established to detect early knee cartilage reaction due to alpine skiing. Relevant changes in the T2* time and thus in the intrachondral collagen microstructure and the free water content were observed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown