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Topographic deformation patterns of knee cartilage after exercises with high knee flexion: an in vivo 3D MRI study using voxel-based analysis at 3T

  • Musculoskeletal
  • Published:
European Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To implement a novel voxel-based technique to identify statistically significant local cartilage deformation and analyze in-vivo topographic knee cartilage deformation patterns using a voxel-based thickness map approach for high-flexion postures.

Methods

Sagittal 3T 3D-T1w-FLASH-WE-sequences of 10 healthy knees were acquired before and immediately after loading (kneeling/squatting/heel sitting/knee bends). After cartilage segmentation, 3D-reconstruction and 3D-registration, colour-coded deformation maps were generated by voxel-based subtraction of loaded from unloaded datasets to visualize cartilage thickness changes in all knee compartments.

Results

Compression areas were found bifocal at the peripheral medial/caudolateral patella, both posterior femoral condyles and both anterior/central tibiae. Local cartilage thickening were found adjacent to the compression areas. Significant local strain ranged from +13 to -15 %. Changes were most pronounced after squatting, least after knee bends. Shape and location of deformation areas varied slightly with the loading paradigm, but followed a similar pattern consistent between different individuals.

Conclusions

Voxel-based deformation maps identify individual in-vivo load-specific and posture-associated strain distribution in the articular cartilage. The data facilitate understanding individual knee loading properties and contribute to improve biomechanical 3 models. They lay a base to investigate the relationship between cartilage degeneration patterns in common osteoarthritis and areas at risk of cartilage wear due to mechanical loading in work-related activities.

Key points

• 3D MRI helps differentiate true knee-cartilage deformation from random measurement error

• 3D MRI maps depict in vivo topographic distribution of cartilage deformation after loading

• 3D MRI maps depict in vivo intensity of cartilage deformation after loading

• Locating cartilage contact areas might aid differentiating common and work-related osteoarthritis

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Abbreviations

CBI:

Cartilage–bone interface

CBIA:

Cartilage–bone interface area

CUELA:

Computer-assisted recording and long-term analysis system for loading on the musculoskeletal system

IFA:

Sankt Augustin, Germany

FLASH:

Fast low-angle shot

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

mTh:

Mean thickness

OA:

Osteoarthritis

Vol:

Volume

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Acknowledgement

The scientific guarantor of this publication is Prof. Dr. Christian Glaser. The authors declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article. This study has received funding by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV; Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung). One of the authors has significant statistical expertise. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects in this study. In this study no animals were examined. Some study subjects have been previously reported in: Horng A, Raya J, Zscharn M, et al. [Locoregional deformation pattern of the patellar cartilage after different loading types - high-resolution 3D-MRI volumetry at 3T in vivo]. Rofo. 2011 May;183 (5):432-40. German. Methodology: prospective, cross-sectional study / observational / experimental, performed at one institution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    Annie Horng, M. Stockinger, M. Notohamiprodjo & C. Glaser

  2. Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University Langone Medical Center, 660 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    J. G. Raya

  3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    M. Pietschmann

  4. Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstraße 111, 53757, Sankt Augustin, Germany

    U. Hoehne-Hueckstaedt, U. Glitsch & R. Ellegast

  5. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Miner’s Hospital, Wieckesweg 27, 44309, Dortmund, Germany

    K. G. Hering

  6. RZM Zentrum, Pippinger Str. 25, 81245, Munich, Germany

    C. Glaser

Authors
  1. Annie Horng
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  2. J. G. Raya
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  3. M. Stockinger
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  4. M. Notohamiprodjo
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Correspondence to Annie Horng.

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Horng, A., Raya, J.G., Stockinger, M. et al. Topographic deformation patterns of knee cartilage after exercises with high knee flexion: an in vivo 3D MRI study using voxel-based analysis at 3T. Eur Radiol 25, 1731–1741 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3545-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-014-3545-7

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