Application of magnetic resonance imaging for non-invasive quantification of joint contact surface areas

A new non-invasive technique for quantifying in-vivo joint contact areas under isometric joint loading conditions was developed. The technique incorporated magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to obtain joint geometry; lower limb kinetics; and three-dimensional (3D) surface modelling. Joint contact areas were determined based on a separation distance criterion for the articular contact surfaces. Accuracy of the joint surface area estimations, determined with a known analytical surface of similar curvature, was ±7.3%. Accuracy of the contact area estimates, evaluated with a direct measurement of cadaveric joints, was ±5.1%. The technique was applied to assess human patellofemoral (PF) joint contact