High-resolution MRI techniques for studies in small-animal models

High-field magnetic resonance (MR), which allows high-resolution imaging, is a powerful research tool to examine and visualize hyaline cartilage of small joints noninvasively. Recent studies have shown that qualitative assessment of degenerative joint disease, derived from MR images, was reliable. The ability to show pathologic changes throughout the time-course of the disease from 3D datasets has also been demonstrated. Quantitative imaging for accurate determination of cartilage volume and thickness are still to be confirmed. This chapter presents a MR protocol for in vivo imaging of small-animal knee joints on a 7-T imager. Technical aspects and specifics of modality and field strength are discussed, as well as future developments and expected evolutions of techniques.