Shuji Nagata1,2, David W. Stanley3, Steven L. Williams2, Marilyn M. Wood2, Joel P. Felmlee2, Hiroshi Nishimura4, Naofumi Hayabuchi1, Kimberly K. Amrami2
1Radiology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan; 2Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; 3GE healthcare, USA; 4Saiseikai Futsukaichi Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) is a biochemical analysis technique and it has been concluded the structure and concentration of the collagen matrix are the predominant determinants of magnetization transfer process in cartilage. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of MTR with a 3T clinical MR imager, to measure MTR at different places of patellar cartilage, and to compare MTR with degree of chondromalacia. MTR would be sensitive to alterations in collagen structure and could be used as an indicator of prediction of cartilage degeneration.