High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of articular cartilage: correlation with histology and pathology.

Current explanations of the link between magnetic resonance (MR) images and cartilage histology are reviewed. The influence of the three-dimensional cartilage matrix structure on T2 decay is emphasized and illustrated through the use of MR microimaging, T2 mapping, and correlative scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Special emphasis is given to the topics of T2 heterogeneity and orientation anisotropy. Common degenerative changes in the structure and biochemistry of cartilage are discussed and illustrated with examples of MR microimaging and T2 quantification with correlative SEM and light microscopy.