Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Regenerative Medicine of the Foot and Ankle
10.4055/jkoa.2025.60.4.304
- Author:
Hyun Cheol OH
1
;
Han Kook YOON
;
Jae Wan SUH
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2025;60(4):304-310
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Regenerative therapy in the foot and ankle region has attracted attention, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) playing an increasingly important role. Biochemical MRI techniques, such as T2 mapping, T2* mapping, delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC), and sodium imaging, are being assessed as promising tools for cartilage assessment. These methods can quantitatively analyze the water content, collagen structure, and glycosaminoglycan content in cartilage, providing valuable information for assessing the quality of regenerated cartilage. Quantitative analysis using the signal-to-noise ratio has been attempted in a ligament evaluation. Recent studies have shown that T2* mapping can quantify ankle instability and correlate with the clinical findings. Various techniques, such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, T2 mapping, and T2* mapping, are being assessed for a tendon assessment, particularly in the Achilles tendon. These methods can be used to analyze quantitatively the vascular regeneration and healing processes of microstructure. Although some of these advanced MRI techniques are still in the research stage, they are expected to play a crucial role in non-invasively evaluating the effects of regenerative therapies in the foot and ankle field. Future research will optimize the MRI protocols specific to each tissue type and validate the clinical efficacy. This review describes the latest MRI techniques for evaluating the regeneration of ankle cartilage, ligaments, and tendons and introduces future research directions.
