Quantitation of articular cartilage dimensions by computer analysis of 3D MR images of human knee joints

Loss of articular cartilage is clinically one of the most significant change associated with osteoarthritis and, at present, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the only modality capable of direct visualisation of articular cartilage owing to its excellent soft tissue contrast. This work demonstrates the use of three dimensional (3D) edge detection method for automatic delineation of cartilage from 3D MR images of human knee joints to produce total cartilage volume. Topographical distribution of cartilage thickness on the surface of bones is also obtained. The reproducibility of volume measurement is assessed by repeated MR scanning of a healthy volunteer at different times.