Diagnosis of osteoarthritis changes of the knee using T2 mapping in magnetic resonance.

Abstract

Articular cartilage is composed primarily of extracellular matrix, which mainly consists of water,
collagen, and proteoglycans. Osteoarthritis changes produce a decrease in the amount of these molecules, which translates into greater permeability and mobilization of water at the joint level. These changes can be detected even when there is no apparent structural manifestation using T2 mapping, which is based on obtaining images using different relaxation times to later develop a colorimetric map that allows studying the articular cartilage and its affected regions. Being able to detect early, cartilage changes caused not only by degenerative processes associated with age
or mechanical effects, but also, linked to pathologies such as arthritis, in order to provide treatment before the changes are irreversible.