This commentary focuses on the clinical application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
in the assessment of articular cartilage of the knee. MR imaging is superior to conventional
imaging techniques for evaluation of the articular cartilage. Several pulse sequences
are advocated for demonstration of the normal articular cartilage and cartilage lesions.
However, a consensus has not yet been reached in regard to the most appropriate sequence
for evaluation of the articular cartilage. Early morphological changes in the degenerative
cartilage are not reliably diagnosed even with the use of tailored MR imaging techniques.
The detection of the biochemical changes of cartilage will serve as an important tool
for the early diagnosis of cartilage degeneration in the near future. Further prospective
studies are needed to establish the role of MR imaging in clinical use.
Cartilage lesions of the knee - magnetic resonance imaging - cartilage biochemical
abnormalities
