Assessment of articular cartilage has become an essential part of magnetic resonance
(MR) evaluation of the knee. This has occurred because of recent advances in treatment
along with improved accuracy of MR image evaluation of articular cartilage. Detection
of articular cartilage defects can provide an explanation for symptoms and allow identification
of patients for cartilage therapy and is an important factor for predicting prognosis
of patients with knee injury. This review describes the most easily implemented MR
techniques for evaluation of articular cartilage and the normal and abnormal appearance
of cartilage seen using these techniques. The influence of imaging findings on treatment
is described.
Cartilage - magnetic resonance techniques - magnetic resonance appearance