Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Osteoarthritis.

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of disability throughout the world. Current therapeutic strategies are aimed at preventing the development and delaying the progression of OA, as well as repairing or replacing worn articular surfaces, because the regeneration of lost hyaline articular cartilage is not currently a clinically feasible option. Imaging is useful in formulating treatment strategies in patients at risk for OA, allowing assessment of risk factors, the degree of preexisting tissue damage, and posttreatment monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in particular, provides in-depth evaluation of these patients, with optimal clinical sequencing allowing sensitive assessment of chondral signal and morphology, and the addition of advanced MRI techniques facilitating comprehensive evaluation of joint health, with increased sensitivity for changes in articular cartilage and surrounding joint tissues.