Potential of Bone MR Imaging for Evaluating the Meniscus

Abstract

　Purpose : This study evaluated the potential of fast field echo resembling a computed tomography using restricted echo-spacing (FRACTURE) for meniscus assessment by comparing it with three-dimensional T2^＊weighted imaging (3D T2^＊WI).

　Method : The study examined 28 knees in 24 patients (average age : 59.5 years, eight males and 16 females), including four bilateral knee scans. Imaging was performed using 3D T2^＊WI and FRACTURE. Both sequences were compared through visual evaluation by two radiologists and using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) analysis. Statistical significance was determined for the observed differences. Visual assessment was conducted by two radiologists, who evaluated the medial and lateral menisci by scoring the degree of meniscal damage on a scale of 1 to 5. CNR was calculated for the healthy meniscus and adjacent articular cartilage using the root mean square (RMS)–CNR method. Additionally, CNR was calculated for meniscal tears using RMS-CNR.

　Results : Visual evaluation did not show a statistically significant difference between the two sequences for the medial and lateral menisci.

　FRACTURE demonstrated a statistically higher CNR for the healthy meniscus and adjacent articular cartilage than 3D T2^＊WI. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two sequences in the CNR of meniscal tears and adjacent articular cartilage.

　Conclusion : The findings indicate that FRACTURE is comparable to 3D T2^＊WI in diagnosing meniscal injuries.