Circumferential and Radial Variations in T2, T2* and T1rho in the Osteoarthritic Meniscus

The menisci of the knee are important for distributing load at the knee joint, and meniscal damage has been shown to precede cartilage degeneration in the knee. We examined radial and circumferential meniscal variation in T2, T2* and T1rho relaxation times in osteoarthritic menisci. Menisci were divided into 3 circumferential regions (anterior, body, and posterior) and then further into 3 radial regions (inner, middle, and outer). Significant differences were found between circumferential and radial regions for T2, but only between circumferential regions for T2* and T1rho. Changes in meniscal regional variations could be important in tracking osteoarthritis disease progress.