Cartilage quantitative T2 relaxation time 2–4 years following isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Cartilage T2 relaxation time in isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) without concomitant meniscal pathology and their changes over time remain unclear. The purpose of this exploratory study was to: (i) compare cartilage T2 relaxation time (T2 values) in people with isolated ACLR at 2–3 years post-surgery (baseline) and matched healthy controls and; (ii) evaluate the subsequent 2-year change in T2 values in people with ACLR. Twenty-eight participants with isolated ACLR and nine healthy volunteers underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline; 16 ACLR participants were re-imaged 2 years later. Cartilage T2 values in full thickness, superficial layers, and dee..