MR microscopy of articular cartilage at 1.5 T: orientation and site dependence of laminar structures

Objective: To evaluate MR microscopic images of normal- appearing porcine hyaline cartilage (n=15) in vitro obtained with an MR microscope using an independent console system (MRMICS) at 1.5 T. Design and results:The MRMICS is a portable imaging system consisting of a radiofrequency system, gradient power supplies and a personal com- puter. The images from the MRMICS showed a laminar struc- ture of porcine cartilage similar to the structure demonstrated with other MR imaging techniques. The lami- nar structures of the articular carti- lage, were, however heterogeneous in respect of signal intensity and thickness, which varied according to the site resected. The MR laminar appearance was most comparable to the staining with Masson's trichrome for collagen. Conclusion: MRMICS is a useful add-on system for obtain- ing microscopic MR images of artic- ular cartilage in vitro.