Bone Grafts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Grafts, including details on spine fusion, surgery, procedure, risks.

Indirect MR-arthrography in osteochondral autograft and crushed bone graft with a collagen membrane-Correlation with histology.

Streitparth F, Schöttle P, Schell H, Lehmkuhl L, Madej T, Wieners G, Duda GN, Schröder RJ

Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spectrum of findings in indirect MR-arthrography following osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) and crushed bone graft using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring and grading system in relation to histology as the standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Iatrogenic lesions were set at ovine condylar facets (n=6/group), treated with OATS or crushed bone graft. 1.5T MRI was performed 6 months after surgery using PD-weighted (w fat saturated (fs) fast spin echo (FSE), T1-w 2D, and 3D fs gradient echo (GE) sequences 30min. after i.v. Gd-DTPA administration and passive joint exercise. The repair tissue was evaluated by two independent radiologists. The MR findings were compared to histology. RESULTS: In all cases, MRI and histologic grading correlated well and showed significant superior repair in OATS at 6 months (p<0.05), reproducing the original articular contour and a good subchondral restoration. FsT1-w3DGE proved most appropriate identifying characteristic post-operative findings: the OATS group demonstrated bone marrow edema at the donor site and the graft/host interface showed significant enhancement in indirect MR-arthrography, indicating fibrocartilage. After crushed bone graft, we found an irregular structure and significant contrast uptake, consistent with remnants of bone grafts surrounded by inflammatory tissue. CONCLUSION: Indirect MR-arthrography is an accurate, non-invasive monitoring tool following OATS and crushed bone graft as the MRI scoring and grading system allows a reliable evaluation of normal and pathological osteochondral repair with a high histologic correlation.

Published 21 February 2008 in Eur J Radiol.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Bone Grafts Research Today. All Rights Reserved.