Age-related microstructural changes in skeletal muscle by diffusion microstructural imaging and its application in knee osteoarthritis

Motivation: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent joint disease that can be more effectively monitored and treated through the early observation of microstructural changes in the thigh muscles [1]. Goal(s): To investigate the differences in microstructural parameters within the thigh skeletal muscles of healthy individuals compared to those with KOA. Approach: We employed neuronal orientation and density imaging (NODDI) alongside mDIXON quant sequences to measure skeletal muscle microstructural parameters and fat fraction (FF), and to evaluate the utility of NODDI in muscle imaging. Results: Significant differences in microstructural parameters were observed between the asymptomatic population and patients with KOA. Impact: NODDI effectively reveals microstructural changes in thigh muscles during the early stages of KOA, offering insights into alterations in myofibrils. This technique quantifies nerve fiber density and orientation, thereby providing additional information regarding muscle changes in pathological conditions.