MR Microscopy of the Articular Cartilage with a 1.0T Permanent Magnet Portable MR System: Preliminary Results

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the use of a 1.0T portable permanent magnet MR system in obtaining microscopic MR images of the hyaline cartilage in vitro. A clear laminar appearance was demonstrated with this system. In addition, it was possible to demonstrate cartilage surface irregularity, a decrease in cartilage thickness, and T₂ alteration by proteoglycan depletion following up to 12 hours of trypsin treatment. In summary, the portable MR system is useful for investigating cartilage in vitro.