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J Knee Surg 2011; 24(4): 225-240
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1286193
SPECIAL FOCUS SECTION

© Thieme Medical Publishers

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cartilage Repair Techniques

Catherine Hayter1 , Hollis Potter2
  • 1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
  • 2Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 October 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers a noninvasive method to assess cartilage repair, allowing objective evaluation of the repair tissue and insight into the natural history of cartilage repair procedures. MR imaging allows assessment of the percent fill, signal morphology of the repair tissue, subchondral bone and three-dimensional geometry of the joint. The information gained from MR imaging therefore plays a valuable role in patient follow-up after cartilage repair. This article discusses the MR imaging techniques available for the assessment of articular cartilage, including quantitative imaging techniques that allow assessment of cartilage biochemistry. The MR imaging appearance and assessment of microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral autograft and allograft transplantation is reviewed.

KEYWORDS

Magnetic resonance imaging - cartilage repair - knee - articular cartilage

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Hollis PotterM.D. 

Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery

535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021

Email: potterh@hss.edu