[Hyaline cartilage delineation of the knee joint using magnetization transfer contrast images]

Using a magnetization transfer contrast method (MTC), we evaluated its clinical feasibility for demonstration of hyaline cartilage of the human knee in five normal subjects. MTC images, obtained from a gradient echo sequence with an off resonance pulse, were compared with those without off resonance pulse. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) and magnetization transfer rate (MTR) were analyzed with respect to hyaline cartilage, muscle, fat, joint fluid and background noise. Also, contrast to noise ratios (CNRs) of cartilage and fluid were compared. MTRs were significantly different between cartilage-muscle group and fat-fluid group. The CNRs of cartilage and fluid were increased on MTC images, showing good contrast separation between hyaline cartilage and joint fluid.