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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2001; 05(2): 147-150
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-15671
Internal Derangement of the Knee

Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

MR Imaging of Cartilage Lesions of the Knee: What is the Clinical Indication? (Radiologist's View)

Masataka Uetani
  • Department of Radiology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Nagasaki, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

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.

KEYWORD

Cartilage lesions of the knee - magnetic resonance imaging - cartilage biochemical abnormalities

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