Keywords:
Athletic injuries, Experimental investigations, MR-Functional imaging, Musculoskeletal joint
Authors:
S. Kleiner1, T. Martensen2, H. Linzmeier3, H.-J. Wilke2, M. Beer2, U. H. W. Schütz2; 1Ulm /DE, 2Ulm/DE, 3Konstanz/DE
DOI:
10.1594/essr2018/P-0015
Purpose
In early stages of osteoarthritis there is an imbalance of cartilage metabolism associated with loss of proteoglycans,
disruption of collagen fiber microstruture and an increase of cartilage water content.
Advanced stages of cartilage degeneration are associated with a loss of free water content of the cartilage.
Changes in cartilage microstructure lead to irreversible damage of cartilage causing osteoarthritis.
There are several quantitative mri mapping sequences,
such as T2* mapping which allow assessment of articular cartilage mircostructure such as free water content and therefore can be used as a marker for early stages of cartilage degradation.
The aim of this study is to explore changes in the T2*-relaxation time of the knee cartilage in response to mechanical loading caused by alpine skiing.
Furthermore it examines if changes of T2*-relaxation time differ between a conventional ski binding system and ACTRI F,
a flexible damping ski binding system.
ACTRI F absorbs shocks on ruff and icy slopes (Fig.
1).
Lowering mechanical stress on joints might reduce the risk of osteoarthritis especially in skiing individuals with existing knee damage.