In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of animal models of knee osteoarthritis.

Recent technical developments in high-field magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, improvement in radio frequency coil design and gradient performance along with the development of efficient pulse sequences and new methods of enhancing contrast have made high-quality imaging of animal arthritis models feasible. MR can provide high-resolution structural information about the osteoarthritic changes in animal models, and also information about the biophysical properties of cartilage. This paper reviews the MR techniques available for animal knee imaging, and the various MR-derived readouts of knee osteoarthritis in animal models. Pitfalls in interpreting animal joint anatomy and joint composition are highlighted.