MRI-derived T2 relaxation times and cartilage morphometry of the tibio-femoral joint in subjects with and without osteoarthritis during a 1-year follow-up

SummaryObjectiveTo assess differences in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based compositional (T2) and morphometric (volume and thickness) parameters of the tibio-femoral joint cartilage in subjects with and without osteoarthritis (OA) and compare these with clinical assessment tools during a 1-year follow-up.MethodThree Tesla MRI of the knee joint was performed in eight female patients (body mass index [BMI]>30) with early OA and 10 age-matched female controls (BMI<30) at baseline (BL) and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Cartilage T2 maps, volume and average thickness were calculated in five compartments (medial/lateral femoral condyle, medial/lateral tibia and trochlea). These data were correlated with changes in clinical parameters and joint space width determined in standardized knee radiographs using a mixed random effects model.ResultsAt BL, T2 was significantly higher (P<0.05) across the cartilage in patients (45.68±5.17ms) compared to controls (41.75±4.33ms). Patients had significantly (P