Project title

Magnetic resonance imaging anisotropy of articular cartilage and subchondral bone

Osteoarthritis increasingly causes personal burden and costs to the society with the increasing life expectancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and especially quantitative MRI methods are the most sensitive for diagnostics of osteoarthritis. However, both traditional as well as novel MRI methods, including so-called ultra short echo time imaging methods are either sensitive to the physical orientation of the joint surfaces within the scanner, or the information provided by the methods is not fully understood. The project aims to clarify the orientation dependencies of the methods and the true applicability of the information generated. The best methods will be chosen for further development and for translation to clinical environment. The results of the research may significantly improve modern MRI diagnostics of osteoarthritis and ultimately allow sensitive and specific monitoring of the status of cartilage, which is necessary for the development of drugs and treatment methods.