Sequential Change in T2* Values of Cartilage, Meniscus, and Subchondral Bone Marrow in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

Ping Huei Tsai, Herng Sheng Lee, Tiing Yee Siow, Yue Cune Chang, Ming Chung Chou, Ming Huang Lin, Chien Yuan Lin, Hsiao Wen Chung, Guo Shu Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background:There is an emerging interest in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* measurement for the evaluation of degenerative cartilage in osteoarthritis (OA). However, relatively few studies have addressed OA-related changes in adjacent knee structures. This study used MRI T2* measurement to investigate sequential changes in knee cartilage, meniscus, and subchondral bone marrow in a rat OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLX).Materials and Methods:Eighteen male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly separated into three groups (n = 6 each group). Group 1 was the normal control group. Groups 2 and 3 received ACLX and sham-ACLX, respectively, of the right knee. T2* values were measured in the knee cartilage, the meniscus, and femoral subchondral bone marrow of all rats at 0, 4, 13, and 18 weeks after surgery.Results:Cartilage T2* values were significantly higher at 4, 13, and 18 weeks postoperatively in rats of the ACLX group than in rats of the control and sham groups (p<0.001). In the ACLX group (compared to the sham and control groups), T2* values increased significantly first in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus at 4 weeks (p = 0.001), then in the anterior horn of the medial meniscus at 13 weeks (p<0.001), and began to increase significantly in the femoral subchondral bone marrow at 13 weeks (p = 0.043).Conclusion:Quantitative MR T2* measurements of OA-related tissues are feasible. Sequential change in T2* over time in cartilage, meniscus, and subchondral bone marrow were documented. This information could be potentially useful for in vivo monitoring of disease progression.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere76658
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume8
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 18 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Sequential Change in T2* Values of Cartilage, Meniscus, and Subchondral Bone Marrow in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this