[Update cartilage imaging of the small joints : Focus on high-field MRI]

Cartilage imaging of small joints is increasingly of interest, as early detection of cartilage damage may be relevant regarding individualized surgical therapies and long-term outcomes.

The aim of this review is to explain modern cartilage imaging of small joints with emphasis on MRI and to discuss the role of methods such as CT arthrography as well as compositional and high-field MRI.

A PubMed literature search was performed for the years 2008-2018.

Clinically relevant cartilage imaging to detect chondral damage in small joints remains challenging. Conventional MRI at 3 T can still be considered as a reference for cartilage imaging in clinical routine. In terms of sensitivity, MR arthrography (MR-A) and computed tomography arthrography (CT-A) are superior to non-arthrographic MRI at 1.5 T in the detection of chondral damage. Advanced degenerative changes of the fingers and toes are usually sufficiently characterized by conventional radiography. MRI at field strengths of 3 T and ultrahigh-field imaging at 7 T can provide additional quantifiable, functional and metabolic information.

Standardized cartilage imaging plays an important role in clinical diagnostics in the ankle joint due to the availability of different and individualized therapeutic concepts. In contrast, cartilage imaging of other small joints as commonly performed in clinical studies has not yet become standard of care in daily clinical routine. Although individual study results are promising, additional studies with large patient collectives are needed to validate these techniques. With rapid development of new treatment concepts radiological diagnostics will play a more significant role in the diagnosis of cartilage lesions of small joints.