Steady-state diffusion imaging for MR in-vivo evaluation of reparative cartilage after matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation at 3 tesla—Preliminary results

Abstract Objectives To demonstrate the feasibility of time-reversed fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) called PSIF for diffusion-weighted imaging of cartilage and cartilage transplants in a clinical study. Material and Methods In a cross-sectional study 15 patients underwent MRI using a 3D partially balanced steady-state gradient echo pulse sequence with and without diffusion weighting at two different time points after matrix-associated autologous cartilage transplantation (MACT). Mean diffusion quotients (signal intensity without diffusion-weighting divided by signal intensity with diffusion weighting) within the cartilage transplants were compared to diffusion quotients found in normal cartilage. Results The global diffusion quotient found in repair cartilage was significantly higher than diffusion values in normal cartilage ( p < 0.05). There was a decrease between the earlier and the later time point after surgery. Conclusions In-vivo diffusion-weighted imaging based on the PSIF technique is possible. Our preliminary results show follow-up of cartilage transplant maturation in patients may provide additional information to morphological assessment.