T2 map segmentation into the deep, intermediate, and superficial layers when staging of patellar cartilage chondromalacia

Abstract

This paper has demonstrated the benefits of segmentation into the deep, intermediate, and superficial layers in analysis of T2 maps of patellar cartilage with chondromalacia. In the deep and intermediate layers, the Т2 values were significantly different in all the patients groups, while the T2 values in the superficial layer did not depend on the disease grade. Compared with the whole cartilage assessment, this approach increased the sensitivity and specificity of chondromalacia staging by 17% and therefore can significantly increase the clinical efficiency of T2 mapping.