MR TOMOGRAPHY OF HEMOPHILIC OSTEOARTHROPATHY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SYNOVIAL AND CHONDROGENIC ALTERATIONS

52 knee and ankle joints of hemophiliacs were examined by MRI using FL ASH and FISP-3-D sequences; and the degree of synovial hypertrophy and of cartilage destruction were assessed. Findings of synovial hypertro phy varied between thin membranes and tumorous tissue destroying the j oint cartilage. Degree of cartilage destruction varied between focal s ignal decrease and total loss. In spite of recurrent joint bleedings n o synovial or cartilaginous changes were seen in 31 % and 29 % of join ts, respectively. Changes were more frequently seen and degree was mor e marked in the ankle than in the knee joints. With the exception of c ysts, osseous destruction was more obvious with radiographs. MRI is su itable for the investigation of joints of hemophiliacs showing no osse ous destruction.