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Knee Joint

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...

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Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

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Published on: November 8, 2012

Effects of Angular Resolution and b Value on Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Knee Joint.

Qi Zhao¹, Rees P Ridout², Jikai Shen²

¹School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.

|April 12, 2021

Summary

Optimizing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for knee joint connective tissues requires careful selection of gradient directions and b-values. Insufficient angular resolution or high b-values can lead to inaccurate metrics and failed tractography.

Keywords:

cartilage diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)knee tractography

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Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord

Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord

Published on: April 7, 2015

Area of Science:

Biomedical Imaging
Musculoskeletal Imaging
Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Background:

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is crucial for visualizing connective tissues in the knee joint.
Understanding the impact of acquisition parameters like angular resolution and b-value is essential for reliable DTI metrics and tractography.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how diffusion gradient directions (angular resolution) and gradient strength (b-value) influence DTI metrics and tractography in knee joint connective tissues.
To determine optimal parameters for consistent DTI outputs and accurate tractography in the knee.

Main Methods:

Rat knee joints were scanned using a 3D diffusion-weighted spin echo sequence on a 9.4-T preclinical system.
Acquisition protocols varied b-values (500-2500 s/mm²) and angular resolutions (43 and 147 directions).
Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and tractography were evaluated in cartilage, ligament, meniscus, and growth plate.

Main Results:

Ligaments exhibited higher FA than growth plate and cartilage.
FA values were overestimated at low angular resolution (6 directions).
Mean diffusivity (MD) was less sensitive to angular resolution compared to FA. Fiber tracking failed at low angular resolution or high b-values (2500 s/mm²).
Tract length and volume measurements were highly dependent on angular resolution and b-value.

Conclusions:

Consistent DTI metrics and tractography in the knee joint necessitate appropriate b-values (500-1500 s/mm²) and sufficient angular resolution (>14 directions).
A signal-to-noise ratio greater than 10 is recommended for reliable results.