Validation of GRAPPATINI T2 mapping for detection of structural and biochemical changes in cartilage of ACLR patients

Motivation: The study validated a non-invasive quantitative MR imaging for evaluating cartilage prognostic status after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) as a technique against arthroscopic and histological measures. Goal(s): To find the non-invasive biomarkers that can guide treatments and limit post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in ACLR patients via quantitative cartilage morphometry analysis and biochemical assessments using GRAPPATINI T2 mapping. Approach: This was a retrospective cohort study with level II evidence. Results: Most knee cartilage subregions were thicker, larger in volume, and had higher T2 values in ACLR patients than in healthy controls. Partial cartilage parameters were significantly correlated with clinical scores. Impact: Quantitative MRI parameters of cartilage could significantly advance non-invasive diagnosis, prognostication, and personalized management of cartilage degeneration.