Evaluation of compression properties of human knee cartilage — In-vivo study at 7T MRI

Magnetic resonance (MR) transverse relaxation time (T2) mapping has frequently been used to evaluate collagen content and its organization. In this study, T2 mapping, using novel three-dimensional-triple-echo-steady-state technique was performed in volunteers in-vivo at 7 Tesla under the static load applied by MR compatible compression device. We observed that load of 250 N applied for 12 minutes was sufficient for in-vivo evaluation of reversible cartilage compression effect. MRI associated with in-vivo compression of cartilage could therefore provide more insight into the mechanical properties of cartilage tissue.