Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of chondral lesions and repair.

Overview

Standardized, validated magnetic resonance imaging sequences that are sensitive for articular cartilage are available for clinical use in magnetic resonance imaging units. Whereas two-dimensional sequences are helpful in the assessment of repair morphology, three-dimensional sequences with isotropic voxels measure cartilage volumes and provide an accurate assessment of fill following repair. Protocols should be modified so that sequences are not limited by instrumentation. The addition of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques provides an objective assessment of repair-tissue biochemistry as well as of the tissue at the peripheral integration with the host hyaline cartilage.