T_1ρ relaxation mapping in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage: Comparison of T_1ρ with T₂

Abstract

Preliminary results from a limited number of knee specimens (N = 8) suggest that T1rho relaxation mapping is a sensitive noninvasive marker for quantitatively predicting and monitoring the status of macromolecules in early OA. Furthermore, T1rho has a higher dynamic range (>100%) for detecting early pathology compared to T2. This higher dynamic range can be exploited to measure even small macromolecular changes with greater accuracy compared to T2. Because of these advantages, T1rho relaxation mapping may be useful for evaluating early OA therapy.