[Application of microscopic MR for evaluation of cartilage repair]

Magnetic resonance imaging is gold standard for noninvasive evaluation of articular cartilage damage and has been also used for monitoring cartilage repair. The aim of this study was to find correlation between histological microscopy and microscopic MR in evaluation of the repair of osteochondral defects in articular cartilage. Study was based animal model (rabbit). The cartilage repair process was evaluated histology and micro MR. Most of the defects were filled with fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue formed. Both methods were equally efficient to show repair tissue thickness, subchondral bone reconstruction and disintegration. Result of observation by both histological and MR microscopy and showed good correlation. Micro MR is promising evaluation tool for cartilage repair monitoring. Results of micro MR correlate well with standard microscopy.