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.