Glenohumeral instability: evaluation using MR arthrography of the shoulder

In the setting of glenohumeral instability or when internal derangement of the shoulder joint is suspected, MR arthrography has been demonstrated to be an accurate diagnostic imaging technique. Knowledge of the complex anatomy of the shoulder and its variations is essential in order to maximize diagnostic accuracy. Received: 24 February 1999 Revision requested: 19 April 1999 Revision received: 12 May 1999 Accepted: 13 May 1999     

Lateral ankle ligaments: MR arthrography with anatomic correlation in cadavers

Objective

The purpose of our study was to use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography to demonstrate the anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments using standard and oblique imaging planes in cadavers.

Material and methods

MR imaging of ten cadaveric ankles was performed before and after intra-articular administration of contrast solution. Proton-density MR images were acquired in standard and oblique imaging planes. MR imaging was correlated with anatomic sections. Measurements using oblique imaging planes were obtained to characterize the morphology of the lateral ligaments.

Results

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) had a variable number of bands in all specimens, separated by fat signal oriented obliquely parallel to the long axis of the ligament. The fibular attachment of ATFL was located in close proximity to the fibular attachment of the distal band of the anterior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). The angle formed by the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and the fibular shaft varied with different ankle positions. Special axial oblique plane best demonstrated the CFL. The posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) was multi-fasciculated in appearance. Dorsiflexion of the ankle joint helped elongate the PTFL and best depicted this ligament in its entirety in the axial plane.

Conclusion

Oblique imaging planes parallel to the long axis of the individual ligaments may improve visualization of the anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments. The orientation of the lateral ankle ligaments is affected by the position of the talocrural and subtalar joints. Understanding the morphology of the lateral ankle ligaments can help radiologists diagnose abnormalities of these ligaments.     

MR imaging of articular cartilage in the ankle: comparison of available imaging sequences and methods of measurement in cadavers

 Objective. To assess hyaline cartilage of cadaveric ankles using different magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques and various methods of measurement. Design and patients. Cartilage thicknesses of the talus and tibia were measured in ten cadaveric ankles by naked eye and by digitized image analysis from MR images of fat-suppressed T1-weighted gradient recalled (FS-SPGR), sequences and pulsed transfer saturation sequences with (FS-STS) and without fat-suppression (STS); these measurements were compared with those derived from direct inspection of cadaveric sections. The accuracy and precision errors were evaluated statistically for each imaging technique as well as measuring method. Contrast-to-noise ratios of cartilage versus joint fluid and marrow were compared for each of the imaging sequences. Results. Statistically, measurements from FS-SPGR images were associated with the smallest estimation error. Precision error of measurements derived from digitized image analysis was found to be smaller than that derived from naked eye measurements. Cartilage thickness measurements in images from STS and FS-STS sequences revealed larger errors in both accuracy and precision. Interobserver variance was larger in naked eye assessment of the cartilage. Contrast-to-noise ratio of cartilage versus joint fluid and marrow was higher with FS-SPGR than with FS-STS or STS sequences. Conclusion. Of the sequences and measurement techniques studied, the FS-SPGR sequence combined with the use of digitized image analysis provides the most accurate method for the assessment of ankle hyaline cartilage.     

Gender differences in knee joint cartilage thickness, volume and articular surface areas: assessment with quantitative three-dimensional MR imaging

Objective: To compare the cartilage thickness, volume, and articular surface areas of the knee joint between young healthy, non-athletic female and male individuals. Subjects and design. MR imaging was performed in 18 healthy subjects without local or systemic joint disease (9 female, age 22.3±2.4 years, and 9 male, age 22.2±1.9 years.), using a fat-suppressed FLASH 3D pulse sequence (TR=41 ms, TE=11 ms, FA=30°) with sagittal orien- tation and a spatial resolution of 2×0.31×0.31 mm³. After three- dimensional reconstruction and triangulation of the knee joint cartilage plates, the cartilage thickness (mean and maximal), volume, and size of the articular surface area were quantified, independent of the original section orientation. Results and conclusions: Women displayed smaller cartilage volumes than men, the percentage difference ranging from 19.9% in the patella, to 46.6% in the medial tibia. The gender differences of the cartilage thickness were smaller, ranging from 2.0% in the femoral trochlea to 13.3% in the medial tibia for the mean thickness, and from 4.3% in the medial femoral condyle to 18.3% in the medial tibia for the maximal cartilage thickness. The differences between the cartilage surface areas were similar to those of the volumes, with values ranging from 21.0% in the femur to 33.4% in the lateral tibia. Gender differences could be reduced for cartilage volume and surface area when normalized to body weight and body weight×body height. The study demonstrates significant gender differences in cartilage volume and surface area of men and women, which need to be taken into account when retrospectively estimating articular cartilage loss in patients with symptoms of degenerative joint disease. Differences in cartilage volume are primarily due to differences in joint surface areas (epiphyseal bone size), not to differences in cartilage thickness. Received: 19 June 2000 Revision requested: 4 August 2000 Revision received: 30 November 2000 Accepted: 6 December 2000     

Comparison of multislice CT arthrography and MR arthrography for the detection of articular cartilage lesions of the elbow

The objective of this study was to compare the value of multislice CT arthrography and MR arthrography in the assessment of cartilage lesions of the elbow joint. Twenty-six cadaveric elbow specimens were examined with the use of CT arthrography and MR arthrography prior to joint exploration and macroscopic inspection of articular cartilage. Findings at CT and MR arthrography were compared with macroscopic assessments in 104 cartilage areas. At macroscopic inspection, 45 cartilage lesions (six grade 2 lesions, 25 grade 3 lesions, 14 grade 4 lesions) and 59 areas of normal articular cartilage were observed. With macroscopic assessment as the gold standard CT and MR arthrography showed an overall sensitivity/specificity of 80/93% and 78/95% for the detection of cartilage lesions, respectively. Only two of six grade 2 lesions were detected by CT and MR arthrography. For the diagnosis of grade 3 and 4 lesions, the sensitivity/specificity was 87/94% with CT arthrography, and 85/95% with MR arthrography. In an experimental setting multislice CT arthrography and MR arthrography showed a similar performance in the detection of cartilage lesions. Both methods indicated limited value in the diagnosis of grade 2 articular cartilage lesions.     

One-shot MR and MDCT arthrography of shoulder lesions with arthroscopic correlation

Although MR imaging and MR arthrography are the first choice modalities for shoulder imaging, CT arthrography (CTA) may be used successfully to address many clinical questions. The advent of sub-millimeter multiple detector CT (MDCT) technology and subsequent excellent three-plane resolution has considerably increased the quality of CTA examinations and has propelled this technique to the forefront in a growing number of indications.     

Utility of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis

Objective. Arthrographically, adhesive capsulitis is characterized by decreased joint volume; histologically, the capsule and synovium are thickened. We therefore compared using MR arthrography the joint volumes and capsule/synovial thickness of patients with and without adhesive capsulitis in order to assess the utility of MR arthrography in diagnosing adhesive capsulitis. Design and patients. The 1.5 T MR arthrography images of 28 subjects with (n=9) and without (n=19) adhesive capsulitis were compared. Adhe- sive capsulitis was diagnosed when there was an injected glenohumeral joint volume of less than 10 ml. Two masked observers working in consensus assessed the images for the relative amount of fluid in the biceps tendon sheath and axillary recess, corrugation at the margin of the capsule, capsule/synovial thickness, abnormalities of the rotator interval capsule, and for the presence of a cuff tear. Results. There was a trend towards differences in capsular and synovial thickness (P>0.07) between the subjects with and without adhesive capsulitis; however, the controls had thicker synovium/capsules. Surprisingly, the amount of fluid in the axillary recess and biceps tendon sheath was not significantly different between the groups (P>0.25). There were more tears of the rotator cuff in controls than in patients with adhesive capsulitis (6, 3 vs 1, 1: complete, partial). Also, both corrugation (7 vs 0) and interval abnormalities (7 vs 0) were more common in the controls. Conclusion. There appear to be no useful MR arthrographic signs of adhesive capsulitis. Capsular/synovial thickness, static fluid volume, and the presence of corrugation are inconclusive as MR arthrographic signs for distinguishing shoulders with adhesive capsulitis from those without. Received: 1 June 2000 Revision requested: 11 September 2000 Revision received: 13 November 2000 Accepted: 27 November 2000     

MR arthrography of the shoulder: Optimizing pulse sequence protocols for the evaluation of cartilage and labrum

Objectives

To compare axial T1weighted fat-saturated (T1w fs) and T1w non-fs sequences, and coronal T1w-fs and T2w-fs sequences, for evaluation of cartilage and labrum using CT arthrography (CTA) as the reference.

Methods

Patients had MR arthrography (MRA) and CTA of the shoulder on the same day. Cartilage was assessed for superficial and full thickness focal and diffuse damage. Labral lesions were graded for Bankart variants and SLAP lesions. CTA images were read for the same features. The diagnostic performance of MRA including area under the curve (AUC) was evaluated against CTA.

Results

When comparing axial sequences, the diagnostic performance for cartilage lesion detection on T1w non-fs was 61.9% (sensitivity) 93.6% (specificity) and 89.5% (accuracy) with AUC 0.782, while that for T1w fs was 61.9%, 94.0%, 89.8% and 0.783. For labral assessment, it was 89.1%, 93.0%, 91.4% and 0.919 for T1w non-fs, and 89.9%, 94.0%, 92.6% and 0.922 for T1w fs. Comparing coronal sequences, diagnostic performance for cartilage was 42.5%, 97.5%, 89.8% and 0.702 for T1w fs, and 38.4%, 98.7%, 90.2%, and 0.686 for T2w fs. For the labrum it was 85.1%, 87.5%, 86.2%, and 0.868 for T1w fs, and 75.7%, 97.5%, 80.8% and 0.816 for T2w fs.

Conclusions

Axial T1w fs and T1w non-fs sequences are comparable in their ability to diagnose cartilage and labral lesions. Coronal T1w fs sequence offers slightly higher sensitivity but slightly lower specificity than T2w fs sequence for diagnosis of cartilage and labral lesions.     

Supraspinatus tendon tears: comparison of US and MR arthrography with surgical correlation

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic reliability of US with MR arthrography in diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears. Surgical findings were used as the gold standard in detecting tears. A total of 44 patients were assessed with transverse and longitudinal US scans with respect to the long axis of the rotator cuff tendons and then examined with MR arthrography. This technique involved free-hand injection of contrast medium into the shoulder joint. At surgery 20 incomplete and 24 complete tears were observed. Ultrasound offered good results for the large tears, but its sensitivity decreased proportionally with the size of the tears. Magnetic resonance arthrography correctly diagnosed 43 tears, whereas only one false-negative diagnosis of tendinosis was made for a partial tear on the bursal side. Since it improves the diagnosis of small tears, MR arthrography must be performed on all patients for whom surgical repair is necessary in order to restore normal functions.     

MR imaging of articular cartilage

With the advent of new treatments for articular cartilage disorders, accurate noninvasive assessment of articular cartilage, particularly with MR imaging, has become important. Understanding the MR imaging features of articular cartilage has led to the development of two types of routinely available MR imaging techniques which have demonstrated clinical accuracy and interobserver reliability. Received: 25 January 2000 Revision requested: 21 March 2000 Revision received: 31 March 2000 Accepted: 3 April 2000     

Indirect wrist MR arthrography: the effects of passive motion versus active exercise

Purpose.In the wrist, to determine whether passive motion or active exercise yields a better indirect MR arthrographic effect following intravenous gadolinium administration. Design and patients. Twenty-six consecutive patients were studied by indirect wrist MR arthrography. In half active exercise and in half passive motion was performed. Four regions of interest were studied including the distal radioulnar joint, the radiocarpal joint, the midcarpal joint, and the triangular fibrocartilage. Ranges and means of signal intensity were calculated. Surgical follow-up was performed in 22 patients. Results. The joint fluid intensity was greatest in the distal radioulnar joint. Fluid signal intensity was greater and more consistent in the passive motion group although the results did not achieve statistical significance. Imaging accuracy appeared similar in the two groups and was excellent for the triangular fibrocartilage (100%) and scapholunate ligaments (96%). Conclusion. Active exercise and passive motion yield similar degrees of wrist arthrographic effect, but the effect of passive motion is somewhat more consistent. Preliminary data show good accuracy for internal derangements. Received: 4 June 1999 Revision requested: 6 August 1999 Revision received: 14 September 1999 Accepted: 20 September 1999     

MR arthrography of partial thickness tears of the undersurface of the rotator cuff: an arthroscopic correlation

Objective Partial thickness tears of the undersurface (articular surface) of the rotator cuff (RTC) have been recognized increasingly in recent years as a source of treatable shoulder pain in the athletic population. This study evaluated the efficacy of MR arthrography (MR-ARTH) in diagnosing these tears.Design and patients The study design was a retrospective review of medical records of patients who had presented with refractory shoulder complaints and subsequently undergone MR arthrography with multiple signal MRI sequences followed by shoulder arthroscopy. Of particular interest were patients who had oblique T1 fat suppression (COT1FS), coronal oblique T2 (COT2), and coronal oblique T2 fat suppression (COT2FS) images taken. Seventy-six subjects met the study criteria. Investigators examined the MR-ARTH images from these patients' charts while blinded as to arthroscopic results, clinical signs and symptoms.Results Based on COT1FS images, investigators identified nine subjects as having had full thickness tears, 28 as having had partial thickness tears of the undersurface of the rotator cuff (PRTC), and 39 as having had intact RTC. These results were compared to actual findings at arthroscopy: nine full thickness tears, 26 of 28 with PRTC and 34 of 39 intact. The sensitivity of MR-ARTH was 84%, with a positive predictive value of 93%. The overall accuracy was 91% (69/76). The specificity was 96%. That is, if a PRTC was not seen on the MR-ARTH images, it was very unlikely to exist. COT2 and COT2FS sequences failed to increase sensitivity and overall efficacy of MRI.Conclusion PRTC can be diagnosed accurately by MR-ARTH with gadopentatate contrast. A COT1FS sequence is recommended for evaluation when tears are suspected.     

Evaluation of patellar cartilage surface lesions: comparison of CT arthrography and fat-suppressed FLASH 3D MR imaging

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of fat-suppressed fast low-angle shot (FLASH) 3D MR imaging in the detection of patellar cartilage surface lesions in comparison with CT arthrography. Fifty patients, with or without symptoms of chondromalacia, were prospectively examined by CT arthrography and fat-suppressed 3D gradient-echo MR imaging. All MR examinations were evaluated by three observers, two of them reaching a consensus interpretation. The lesions were graded according to their morphology and their extent. The CT arthrography was considered as the reference examination. For both sets of observers, the final diagnosis of chondromalacia was obtained in 92.5 %. The specificity was 60 % on a patient-by-patient basis. Fissures were missed in 83 and 60 %, respectively, but were isolated findings only in 2.5 % of the cases. Considering ulcers involving more than 50 % of the cartilage thickness, 65 and 88 %, respectively, were recognized. Fat-suppressed FLASH 3D is an adequate pulse sequence for the detection of patellar cartilage ulcers. It can be applied on a routine clinical basis, but it does not show as many fissures as CT arthrography and is less precise for grading of lesions. Received 30 July 1997; Revision received 23 December 1997; Accepted 29 December 1997     

Internal derangements of the shoulder: decision tree and cost-effectiveness analysis of conventional arthrography, conventional MRI, and MR arthrography

Purpose. In a patient with internal derangement of the shoulder, the diagnostic method of choice is controversial. Conventional arthrography can diagnose most rotator cuff tears accurately; however, in many institutions MR arthrography is usually necessary to diagnose labral tears. We utilized decision tree methodology to compare the cost- effectiveness of conventional arthrography and conventional MRI with a hypothetical algorithm in which a patient underwent arthrography, performed with admixed gadolinium, which if negative, was followed by MRI. Design. The use of double-contrast arthrography alone, conventional MRI alone, and gadolinium-enhanced MRI used as an adjunct to conventional arthrography were modeled for the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCT), partial RCTs, labral tears, and the absence of cuff/labral tears using decision analysis methodology. English language medical publications were searched to determine the base probabilities for the accuracy of the diagnostic tests. The outcome utilities ranged from –1 to +1 to reflect the value of correct diagnostic evaluation. Charges for diagnostic tests and appropriate surgical treatments were based on 1997 Medicare reimbursement rates for professional fees and hospital charges in an outpatient setting. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of uncertainty regarding the prevalence of each disease state and the accuracy of several diagnostic tests. Results. In the base-case analysis, the average effectiveness of double-contrast arthrography alone, MRI alone and arthrography selectively followed by MRI were 0.6610, 0.6715, and 0.7204, respectively. The average costs for each of these strategies were $1090, $2033, and $2339, respectively. Conclusion. Arthrography performed with admixed diluted gadolinium, which if negative is immediately followed by MRI, was somewhat more expensive than conventional MRI. However, because of much greater effectiveness, cost-effectiveness was significantly higher for our proposed algorithm. Conventional arthrography without gadolinium, although less expensive, had severely limited effectiveness. Received: 4 June 1999 Revision requested: 6 August 1999 Revision received: 30 August 1999 Accepted: 1 September 1999     

Evaluation of the postoperative meniscus of the knee: a study comparing conventional arthrography, conventional MR imaging, MR arthrography with iodinated contrast material, and MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material

Objective. To compare four imaging methods in the evaluation of the postoperative meniscus: conventional arthrography, conventional MR imaging, MR arthrography with iodinated contrast material, and MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material. Design and patients. Thirty-three patients referred for knee MR examinations with a history of meniscal surgery were studied prospectively. At the first patient visit, conventional MR examination was followed by an MR arthrogram with gadolinium-based contrast material. At the second visit, a conventional arthrogram with iodinated contrast material was followed immediately by an MR examination. Imaging examinations were interpreted by a masked reader, and then compared with the results of repeat arthroscopic surgery in 12 patients. Results. The correct evaluation of the status of postoperative menisci was allowed in 12 of 13 patients (92%) by MR arthrography using gadolinium-based contrast agent, 10 of 13 patients (77%) by conventional MR examination, 9 of 12 patients (75%) by MR arthrography, and 7 of 12 patients (58%) by conventional arthrography. Conclusion. Intra-articular fluid is advantageous in the evaluation of patients with a suspected meniscal retear. MR arthrography with gadolinium-based contrast material is the most accurate imaging method for the diagnosis of meniscal retears. Received: 7 April 1999 Revision requested: 26 May 1999 Revision received: 17 June 1999 Accepted: 18 June 1999     

Contrast media in MR arthrography of the glenohumeral joint: intra-articular gadopentetate vs saline: preliminary results

The purpose of this investigation was to compare gadopentetate and saline as contrast media in MR arthrograms of the glenohumeral joint. In 60 consecutive patients MR arthrograms with either gadopentetate (n = 26) or saline (n = 34) were performed. After injection of gadopentate, 3D gradient-echo (GE) images were obtained (TR 32 ms, TE 10 ms, flip angle 40 °). With saline, double-echo steady-state images (heavily T2-weighted 3D GE images) were obtained (TR 40 ms, TE 9/45 ms, flip angle 40 °). In the last 14 of these patients T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (SE) images were added (TR 2900 ms, TE 96 ms). Contrast-to-noise ratios standardized for imaging times proved to be superior for the gadolinium arthrograms compared with GE and SE saline arthrograms (intra-articular fluid vs subacromial fat: p = 0.0001 and 0.0008; intra-articular fluid vs supraspinatus tendon: p = 0.0001 and 0.046). Using a qualitative scoring system gadolinium arthrograms were superior to saline arthrograms (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). Saline arthrograms in combination with GE and SE sequences are inferior to gadopentetate arthrograms with GE sequences. Received 24 May 1996; Accepted 30 August 1996     

MR arthrographic variability of the arthroscopically normal glenoid labrum: qualitative and quantitative assessment

The purpose of this study was to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the MR arthrographic variability of the arthroscopically normal glenoid labrum. Form and signal abnormalities of arthroscopically normal labral parts were analyzed on axial and coronal MR arthrograms of 55 consecutive patients (mean age 43.8 years, age range 21–76 years) referred mainly for suspected rotator cuff lesions. Length and width of the labrum were measured. One hundred twenty-one of 241 (50 %) arthroscopically normal labral parts demonstrated normal (low) signal intensity and normal form on MR arthrograms. Increased linear or globular signal intensity was present in 74 of 241 (31 %) normal labral parts, deformed or fragmented labra in 28 (12 %), complete separation of the labrum from the glenoid in 4 (2 %), a cleft in 5 (2 %), attenuation in 4 (2 %), and complete absence in 5 (2 %), respectively. The mean size of the normal labrum varied between 3.8 × 3.3 mm at the subscapularis bursa level (anteriorly) and 6.1 × 5.6 mm at the inferior portion of the glenoid (anteriorly). The size was not significantly different between arthroscopically normal and abnormal labral parts (p = 0.13–0.83). Since the MR appearance of the arthroscopically normal glenoid labrum varies considerably concerning signal intensity, form, and size, only major tears or detachments of the labrum should be diagnosed. Received: 29 November 1999 Revised: 10 May 2000 Accepted: 23 August 2000     

Labral-ligamentous complex of the shoulder. Evaluation with double oblique axial MR arthrography

Purpose: 
To assess the ability of double oblique axial (DOA) MR arthrography in evaluating labral-ligamentous complex compared with conventional axial (CA) MR arthrography. Material and Methods: 
MR arthrography of 51 shoulders, subsequently examined with arthroscopy, were retrospectively reviewed. DOA imaging was performed in all 51 shoulders and both DOA and CA imaging in 37 using a 1.5 T unit with gradient recalled-echo T2*-weighted sequences. DOA imaging was performed using perpendicular planes to the long axis of the glenoid fossa obtained by an oblique sagittal scout image. We compared the ability of DOA with that of CA MR arthrography to assess labral injuries and to demonstrate the whole length of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AIGHL), which were shown to be intact by arthroscopy. Results: 
For anterior labral injuries, sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 93% with CA, and 94% and 100% with DOA imaging, respectively. For posterior labral injuries, sensitivity and specificity were 47% and 100% with CA, and 79% and 96% with DOA imaging, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between CA and DOA images, except for the ability to diagnose posterior labral injuries, where DOA imaging had a significant superior sensitivity (p = 0.0327). DOA images also demonstrated the whole length of the intact AIGHL in 10 of 11 shoulders, while CA imaging showed this in only 3 of 11. Conclusion: 
DOA imaging was equal or better than CA imaging for evaluating the labral-ligamentous complex.     

Distribution of normal and abnormal fluid collections in the glenohumeral joint: Implications for MR arthrography

Although magnetic resonance (MR) images of the glenohumeral joint frequently demonstrate intraarticular fluid, no specific criteria have, to the authors' knowledge, been published that allow accurate assessment of the amount of fluid present. Also, despite the increasing use of MR arthrography of the shoulder, the optimal amount of intra-articular fluid that should be used with this technique has not been determined. The authors progressively distended the glenohumeral joint in six cadaveric shoulder specimens with a dilute gadopentetate dimeglumine solution and obtained MR images after injection of 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mL of the solution. The pattern of fluid distribution was evaluated, and these results were then used to estimate the amount of fluid that was present in the glenohumeral joint on MR images of 20 shoulders obtained in 12 asymptomatic volunteers. In 14 of these shoulders, intraarticular fluid was present; however, in none was more than 2 mL evident. Results of the cadaveric study also indicated that 15 mL of intraarticular fluid appears to be the optimal amount for MR arthrography.     

Assessment of normal patellar cartilage volume and thickness using MRI: an analysis of currently available pulse sequences

 Objective. The objective of this study was to analyse the potential of magnetic resonance imaging for valid determination of patellar cartilage thickness, comparing currently available pulse sequences. Design. In six patients and one cadaver the cartilage was repetitively imaged employing three spin-echo and six three-dimensional gradient-echo sequences. In the cadaveric specimen the total volume and the regional distribution of cartilage thickness were assessed and compared with the values obtained from anatomical sections by image analysis. Results and conclusions. The FLASH and fat-suppressed FLASH sequences allowed the most accurate determination of the cartilage volume and thickness. Fat-suppression considerably increased the contrast of the cartilage to the synovial fluid, fat and bone marrow, yielding higher reproducibility of the volumetric measurements. The remaining difference from the anatomical volume and thickness may be because the calcified cartilage is not delineated by magnetic resonance imaging.