Tibial cartilage volume measurement in knee osteoarthritis using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Background: Cartilage degeneration is considered as the initial defect in osteoarthritis. Measurement of cartilage volume is important to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response. Objectives: To measure tibial cartilage volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to evaluate the accuracy and interobserver reliability of tibial cartilage volume measurement using MRI. Methods: The outline boundaries of the medial and lateral tibial cartilage were drawn manually on 1 mm slices using a track-ball to calculate the volume of each slice. Total calculated MRI-derived tibial cartilage volume was determined by summation of the slice volumes. The calculated tibial cartilage volume was compared to the actual tibial cartilage volume. Results: There was a strong correlation between the calculated and actual tibial cartilage volumes determined by a radiologist and a researcher (98% and 89% agreement in medial tibial cartilage, 99% and 97% agreement in lateral tibial cartilage, respectively). High observer reliability was identified (92% agreement in medial tibial cartilage and 97% agreement in lateral tibial cartilage). Conclusion: Tibial cartilage volume measurement using MRI can be easily performed by well-trained personnel such as radiologists or residents, and can be used to estimate tibial cartilage volume preoperatively in total knee arthroplasty, and to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.