OBJECTIVE To use T2 relaxation time distribution profiles to assess inter-group regional differences along articular surfaces and to evaluate the feasibility of this analysis for comparison of cartilage insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve pairs matched according to age and gender (12 healthy volunteers and 12 patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)) underwent 3-T MRI. T2 maps were calculated from six time echo images of the mid-sagittal slice in the lateral and medial compartment. The femoral and tibial cartilage was analyzed by measuring T2 distribution profiles along the articular surfaces. RESULTS T2 distribution profiles were generated along the length of the articular surface in the femorotibial compartments. Differences in the T2 distribution profiles between the tibial and femoral cartilage as well as between the cartilage of the femoral condyles were identified in healthy individuals. T2 distribution profiles clearly demonstrated cartilage insufficiency in the weight-bearing areas for subjects in the ACLR group. CONCLUSIONS T2 distribution profiles can identify regional differences in femoral and tibial cartilage. The T2 distribution profile pattern is preserved with cartilage insufficiency, however, with important differences in T2 values for the ACLR group in weight-bearing areas.

中文翻译：

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T2分布图是显示软骨区域变异和软骨功能不全的好方法。

目的使用T2弛豫时间分布曲线评估沿关节表面的组间区域差异，并评估该分析用于比较软骨功能不全的可行性。材料与方法根据年龄和性别配对十二对（12例健康志愿者和12例前十字韧带重建术（ACLR）后的患者）进行了3T MRI。从外侧和内侧腔室中矢状切片的六个时间回波图像计算出T2图。通过测量沿关节表面的T2分布曲线来分析股骨和胫骨软骨。结果T2分布图是沿着股胫室关节表面的长度生成的。在健康个体中，确定了胫骨和股骨软骨之间​​以及股骨con的软骨之间的T2分布曲线的差异。T2分布图清楚地表明了ACLR组受试者在负重区域的软骨不足。结论T2分布图可以识别股骨和胫骨软骨的区域差异。T2分布图模式保留了软骨不足，但是在负重地区ACLR组的T2值存在重要差异。结论T2分布图可以识别股骨和胫骨软骨的区域差异。T2分布图模式保留了软骨不足，但是在负重地区ACLR组的T2值存在重要差异。结论T2分布图可以识别股骨和胫骨软骨的区域差异。T2分布图模式保留了软骨不足，但是在负重地区ACLR组的T2值存在重要差异。