Application of Magnetic Nano-MR Molecular Imaging Technology in the Relationship Between Meniscus Injury and Knee Joint Movement

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can lead to joint malformations and dysfunction. The meniscus, as the fibrous cartilage of the medial and lateral articular surfaces of the tibia, functions in load transfer, shock absorption, and knee joint stabilization. Injury of the meniscus reduces its protective effect on the knee joint and increases the risk of KOA. Early detection of meniscus injury and accurate assessment of its severity could help to clinically formulate corresponding treatment plans, delay disease progression, and reduce the risk of KOA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can clearly characterize the tissue structure of the meniscus in all directions, which is convenient for observing the damage to it. However, the sensitivity of traditional MRI to cartilage tissue is still limited. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), as a nano-biomaterial with superparamagnetic properties, can enhance MR signal intensity and imaging sensitivity. The use of SPION as a contrast agent for MRI diagnosis of meniscus injury may help to improve the diagnostic accuracy. In this study, the results of arthroscopy were used as a gold standard to compare the diagnostic value of traditional MRI and MRI+SPION in meniscus injury. We found that SPION could significantly improve the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI in diagnosing meniscus injury. According to the classification of the severity of meniscus injury by MRI+SPION, six degrees of freedom of knee joints were compared in each group, and major differences were found in each degree of freedom of knee joints in the patients with different severity grades. The more severe the injury, the smaller the range of degrees of freedom of the knee. The above results show that the knee joint activity of patients with meniscus injury can be evaluated according to magnetic nano-magnetic resonance molecular imaging technology, and the corresponding clinical treatment plan can be made according to the diagnosis and evaluation results.