In this work, the values of the transverse relaxation times (T2) were measured for the first time in the deep, intermediate, and superficial layers of the patellar cartilage at different stages of chondromalacia as compared to control. The T2 values in the intermediate layer of cartilage show the best sensitivity to the grade of injury and have statistically significant differences for the groups of normal, mild, and severe cartilage damage. The T2-mapping technique is a potential tool for studying structural changes in cartilage and T2 values can be considered as a non-invasive biomarker for the assessment of the cartilage condition.
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