MR Spectroscopic imaging of collagen: Tendons and knee menisci

Water molecules associated with collagen have short transverse (T2) relaxation times. Projection‐reconstruction techniques are able to achieve an echo time (TE) much shorter than conventional techniques, allowing imaging of tissues with T2 < 5 ms. Using these techniques, a conventional 1.5‐T MRI human imaging system can directly image collagen‐associated water from knee menisci and tendons in normal volunteers and patients. Long‐T2 suppression improves the contrast between these structures and the surrounding tissue with long‐T2 relaxation times. Spectroscopic imaging provides improved lipid/water registration and information about chemical composition and relaxation times. Direct imaging of tendons and menisci may provide more information about these structures and provide a new way to assess both injury and repair.

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