Single- and Bi-component T2∗ analysis of tendon before and during tensile loading, using UTE sequences

Abstract

Background To determine if the application of tensile force alters the single- or bi-component T2∗ values of human tendons as measured on a clinical MRI scanner with ultrashort echo time (UTE sequences and if single- or bi-component T2∗ values differ when measured with 2D-UTE, 3D-UTE, or 3D-UTE-Cones sequences. Methods Ten tendons were imaged before and during the application of tension using various UTE sequences at 3 Tesla. Single and bi-component T2∗ analysis was performed pre- and posttension and compared with Bonferroni-corrected paired Wilcoxon tests. Results Range of mean pre- and posttension T2∗ analysis values were: short T2∗ fraction (78.6-79.7% and 77.3-79.7%, respectively; P=1.0 for all sequences), long T2∗ fraction (20.3-21.4% and 20.3-22.7%, respectively; P=1.0 for all sequences), short T2∗ (0.9-1.0 ms and 0.9 ms, respectively; P=1.0 for all sequences), long T2∗ (19.9-20.4 ms and 21.9-24.0 ms, respectively; P=0.9 for 2D-UTE and P=1.0 for 3D-UTE and 3D-UTE-Cones), and single-component T2∗ (2.3-2.5 ms and 2.5-3.2 ms, respectively; P=1.0 for all sequences). Conclusion No significant difference in single- or bi-component results was found after the application of tension to tendons. Results are similar regardless of UTE sequence used for acquisition.