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Socha et al: Ultrashort Echo Time Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cruciate Ligaments in Normal Beagles
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Normative ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI T2* values were established for:
    • Patellar ligament (PL): T2*L = 4.65 ms
    • Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL): T2*L = 5.99 ms
    • Caudal cruciate ligament (CdCL): T2*L = 7.06 ms
  • Statistically significant differences in T2*L values were found between:
    • PL vs. CrCL (p = 0.03)
    • PL vs. CdCL (p = 0.0097)
    • CrCL vs. CdCL (p = 0.03)
  • No significant differences in short T2* (T2*S) values across ligaments.
  • Study highlights potential of UTE MRI to detect early ligament changes even without physical instability.
  • May guide early diagnosis in partial CrCL rupture where standard MRI is limited.

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← Articles

Socha et al: Ultrashort Echo Time Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cruciate Ligaments in Normal Beagles
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Normative ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI T2* values were established for:
    • Patellar ligament (PL): T2*L = 4.65 ms
    • Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL): T2*L = 5.99 ms
    • Caudal cruciate ligament (CdCL): T2*L = 7.06 ms
  • Statistically significant differences in T2*L values were found between:
    • PL vs. CrCL (p = 0.03)
    • PL vs. CdCL (p = 0.0097)
    • CrCL vs. CdCL (p = 0.03)
  • No significant differences in short T2* (T2*S) values across ligaments.
  • Study highlights potential of UTE MRI to detect early ligament changes even without physical instability.
  • May guide early diagnosis in partial CrCL rupture where standard MRI is limited.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Socha 2024 et al., which structure had the highest mean long T2* (T2*L) value on UTE MRI?

A. Patellar ligament
B. Cranial cruciate ligament
C. Caudal cruciate ligament
D. Quadriceps tendon
E. Medial meniscus

Answer: Caudal cruciate ligament

Explanation: The CdCL had the longest mean T2*L value at 7.06 ms, higher than CrCL and PL:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In Socha 2024 et al., what advantage does UTE MRI offer over conventional FSE MRI for ligament imaging?

A. Better spatial resolution
B. Enhanced contrast for vascular tissues
C. Visualization of short T2 components
D. Eliminates need for sedation
E. Shorter scan time

Answer: Visualization of short T2 components

Explanation: UTE captures bound and free water signals in collagen-rich tissues missed by FSE:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
In Socha 2024 et al., what was the statistical significance of the difference in T2*L values between CrCL and CdCL?

A. p = 0.10
B. p = 0.01
C. p = 0.03
D. p = 0.001
E. p = 0.05

Answer: p = 0.03

Explanation: The study reported p = 0.03 for CrCL vs CdCL T2*L comparison, indicating statistical significance:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In Socha 2024 et al., what is a clinical implication of UTE MRI for stifle evaluation in dogs?

A. It can guide arthroscopy
B. It replaces conventional radiographs
C. It diagnoses meniscal tears with higher accuracy
D. It detects early CrCL damage before instability is palpable
E. It measures femorotibial rotation

Answer: It detects early CrCL damage before instability is palpable

Explanation: UTE T2* mapping may identify degenerative changes missed by exam or FSE MRI:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
In Socha 2024 et al., which ligament had the **lowest** T2* short component (T2*S) value?

A. Patellar ligament
B. Caudal cruciate ligament
C. Cranial cruciate ligament
D. Lateral collateral ligament
E. Quadriceps tendon

Answer: Caudal cruciate ligament

Explanation: CdCL had the lowest T2*S mean value (0.41 ms) of the three ligaments studied:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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