MR T2 Relaxation Time Measurements for Cartilage and Menisci

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used not only for morphologic but also for quantitative assessment of knee cartilage. Quantitative T1rho and T2 relaxation time measurements and dGEMRIC (delayed Gadolinium enhanced MRI of the cartilage) have emerged as potential cartilage biomarkers to assess early degenerative disease. This chapter focuses on the T2-technique and clinical applications of hyaline cartilage and meniscal T2 relaxation time measurements in particular at the knee.