Abstract:
Biochemical and functional imaging of the hip in patients with cam-type FAI – current and future methods
Cam morphology of the femoral head-neck junction can lead to osseous conflict with the acetabular rim and may predispose to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The impingement damages the cartilage, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis with underlying increased bone mineral density of the acetabular rim. However, the timing of changes to the bone and cartilage is unclear, as arthritic changes existed in adults regardless of symptomatology. A biomarker is required that is more specific and sensitive to changes in periarticular tissues, especially in the very early stages of degeneration. Non-invasive imaging methods, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are promising tools to research and investigate FAI longitudinally and clinically and have the potential to serve as biomarkers for FAI. In this presentation, MRI T1ρ mapping for biochemical sensitive imaging of cartilage and PET techniques in functional bone imaging for FAI will be reviewed and discussed. Also, an outlook for future steps will be given that will allow us to gain a better understanding of the relationship between cartilage and bone changes.