Longitudinal measurements of signal intensity as a potential marker for cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis

In this study we have developed techniques to compare local changes in signal intensity over time in fat suppressed 3D gradient echo MR images of articular cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis. We have applied these techniques to data taken over a periods of 1 and 3 years in two groups of patients with established OA of the knee. In both these studies, no significant change in total cartilage volume could be detected but we were able to observe some significant changes in signal intensity. We conclude that in a study of cartilage structure this technique can provide additional information without the overhead of extra scans.