Feasibility of mapping T2 relaxation time in the pediatric metacarpal head with a 3-T MRI system.

Karmazyn, Boaz; Lin, Chen; Persohn, Scott A; Buckwalter, Kenneth A · AJR Am J Roentgenol · 2012

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

T2 relaxation time is sensitive in detecting early cartilage damage. There are few reports of T2 mapping for smaller joints because of technical challenges. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of T2 mapping of the metacarpal head cartilage in children. T2 mapping of the metacarpal head cartilage is feasible in children on a 3-T scanner with commercially available coils. An increase in the T2 values near the osteochondral junction likely reflects the secondary physis.

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