3-D cones UTE-T2* maps were examined in
22 subjects with reconstructed anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLR) and 16
uninjured controls for evidence of alterations to the subsurface cartilage
matrix suggestive of cartilage at risk for early OA 2 years after surgery.
Elevated UTE-T2* values in regions of deep tibiofemoral cartilage and in side-to-side
UTE-T2* differences were detected. UTE-T2* values correlated to standard T2
values in tibial and posterolateral femoral regions. Together, these findings
suggest that UTE-T2* mapping detects “pre-osteoarthritic” subsurface cartilage
matrix changes that may occur following ACLR and thus can help to identify
subjects at risk of developing OA.
