T1ρ and T2 of cartilage after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury were associated with Knee-injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) after injury and both KOOS and Marx activity level after reconstruction. This according to a study of 54 patients with ACL injuries. Researchers found:

• Higher baseline side-to-side difference (SSD) T1p posterolateral tibia (pLT) was associated with worse KOOS in all subscales except symptoms at baseline and worse KOOS pain at 6-months, as well as worse KOOS subscales except sports function at 1-year.

• Higher baseline SSD T2 femoral trochlea was associated with worse KOOS activities of daily living at 1-year.

• Higher baseline SSD T1p pLT was associated with lower Marx activity level at 1-year.

• More severe cartilage lesions, as assessed by Whole-Organ MRI Scoring (WORMS), was significantly associated with worse KOOS pain at 6-months and 1-year.

Citation: Su F, Pedoia V, Teng H-L, et al. The association between MR T1ρ and T2 of cartilage and patient-reported outcomes after ACL injury and reconstruction. [Published online ahead of print February 2, 2016]. Osteoarth Int. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.985.