Elastic modulus of acetabular labrum correlates with UTE apparent spin-spin (T2*) and spin-lattice (T1) magnetic resonance relaxation times

Motivation: The acetabulum labrum plays a critical role in the hip function. Medical imaging techniques for detecting labral degeneration may help improve our knowledge of its role in hip osteoarthritis (OA). Goal(s): This study aimed to explore the correlation between the mechanical properties of the acetabulum labrum and MRI properties. Approach: The correlations of UTE-T2* and -T1 sequences with the tensile elastic modulus of human acetabular labrum specimens have been investigated. Results: There was a significant correlation between quantitative UTE-T2*, and UTE-T1 techniques and the mechanical properties of the labrum. Impact: UTE-T2* and -T1 sequences showed the potential to evaluate acetabulum labrum mechanical assessment, which is needed to improve labrum degeneration detection and monitoring, a primary unmet need in areas where hip osteoarthritis is common and conventional MRI is being implemented.