MRI-based ACL graft maturity does not predict clinical and functional outcomes during the first year after ACL reconstruction

Abstract

III.

Magnetic resonance measurements of tissue quantity and quality using T2* relaxometry predict temporal changes in the biomechanical properties of the healing ACL

“…The calculation involves sampling the MR signal intensity within a region of interest, and then normalizing the signal intensity to the background noise of the image slice. Like our linear prediction models, the SNQ of the ACL graft has shown some agreement with its underlying histological ultrastructure, suggesting that normalized signal intensity yields relevant information regarding graft remodeling. In a way, inclusion of Vol 1 and Vol 4 voxels in our prediction models could be considered akin to the signal to noise quotient (SNQ) insofar as Vol 1 and Vol 4 sub‐volumes represent the two extremes of MR T 2 * properties much like the SNQ is based on two complementary sources of MR signal intensity information.…”

“…The signal to noise quotient (SNQ) is another non‐invasive MR‐based technique used to gauge ACL graft maturity that has been used by others . The calculation involves sampling the MR signal intensity within a region of interest, and then normalizing the signal intensity to the background noise of the image slice.…”

Does the Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Enhance Graft Healing and Maturation? A Comparative MRI Study of 44 Cases

“…They reported that high-intensity signal on MRI might predict late integration of the grafts in the bone tunnels, leading to postreconstruction instability. In contrast, Li et al, 18 in their study of 38 patients, concluded that MRI-based graft maturity was unable to yield accurate data to predict clinical and functional outcomes, and they underlined that it should not be used as an objective test to determine the appropriate time to return to sports activities after ACL reconstruction.…”

Correlation analysis of potential factors influencing graft maturity based on MRI after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation

“…To quantify the normalized SI of the meniscal graft, the SNQ for each graft site was calculated using the following equation: SNQ = (signal of the meniscal graft − signal of the quadriceps tendon)/signal of the background. All measurements were taken by two investigators, and repeated measurements were performed on 2 days at least 1 month apart 31 .…”