Magnetic resonance imaging of osteoarthritis

Recent advances in disease-modifying treatment of osteoarthritis are renewi ng interest in radiographic imaging to assess disease progression and treat ment efficacy. Plain-film radiography has been the mainstay of osteoarthrit is evaluation; however, plain film changes of osteoarthritis appear late in the progression of the disease. An alternative, magnetic resonance (MR) im aging, is superior to plain film in its soft-tissue contrast and resolution . Early or subtle changes of osteoarthritis in articular joints are detecta ble using MR imaging.