Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2008; 12(4): 283-301
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1100637
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Imaging of Articular Cartilage Injuries of the Lower Extremity

Carl S. Winalski1 , Leyla Alparslan2
  • 1Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publikationsdatum:
18. November 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Imaging has become an important clinical tool in the evaluation of articular cartilage, both in the clinical and research setting. This article reviews the mechanisms of articular cartilage injury in the lower extremities and their implications. Specific examples of acute and chronic repetitive injuries in the hip, knee, and ankle are used to demonstrate the characteristics of articular cartilage lesions on magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computed tomographic arthrography. Loss of meniscal function in the knee and femoroacetabular impingement in the hip represent sources of repetitive cartilage injury that predispose the joint to osteoarthritis. Acute cartilage injury is exemplified by osteochondral lesions of the talus, which may result in post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Recognition of early cartilage damage and associated lesions may help determine the proper treatment for the patient to delay or prevent progression to osteoarthritis.

REFERENCES

Carl S WinalskiM.D. 

Imaging Institute, Crile Bldg., A-21, Cleveland Clinic

9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195

eMail: winalsc@ccf.org