[Imaging of articular cartilage]

Abstract

There have been many improvements in joint cartilage imaging in recent years with the development of new imaging methods. The purpose of cartilage imaging is to assess the integrity of the cartilage surface, the thickness and volume of the cartilage matrix and its relationship with the subchondral bone. Direct radiography, the conventional imaging method for the skeletal system, is not sufficient for assessing the joint cartilage, nor are arthrography, computed tomography, and arthrography together with computed tomography. Moreover, biomechanical changes in the joint cartilage cannot be assessed with these methods. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its superior contrast resolution and multiplanar imaging capability across tissues, has become the primary diagnostic method for assessment of joint pathologies. The morphological features of the joint cartilage can be assessed adequately with the use of MRI sequences specific to the cartilage. Appropriate use of MRI sequences to determine the type of cartilage damage, the presence and degree of accompanying pathologies in the subchondral bone will help minimize diagnostic errors. This article reviews cartilage imaging in the following aspects: the technique used in MRI for cartilage imaging, findings of cartilage pathology, and anticipation of future cartilage imaging.