Comparative Assessment of Deep Learning (DL) for Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Healthy Controls: A Study on 0.55T vs 3.0T MRI Scanners.

Motivation: Prior knee osteoarthritis studies favor high-field (3.0T) over mid-field (0.55T) MRI. Motivation is explore sustainable, economical, low-footprint 0.55T alternative. Goal(s): To address the research gap, this study aims to compare cartilage thickness measurements in healthy controls between 0.55T and 3.0T MRI scanners, shedding light on the viability of mid-field imaging for assessing this vital biomarker. Approach: Employing a cross-sectional design, this research utilizes both 0.55T and 3.0T scanners to gather comparative data on cartilage thickness in healthy subjects. Results: Anticipated findings will contribute insights into the potential of mid-field MRI for accurate cartilage assessment, informing future imaging practices in knee osteoarthritis research. Impact: This project's focus on mid-field MRI scanners may revolutionize knee osteoarthritis research, providing a cost-effective alternative, broadening accessibility, and potentially improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients.