Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Analysis of Cartilage Degeneration Among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Degenerative knee changes, including cartilage loss, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and osteophyte formation, are central to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), causing pain and disability. Conventional radiography detects mainly late-stage disease, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides sensitive evaluation of cartilage. However, MRI-based assessment remains underutilised in Abuja, Nigeria.
Aim and Objectives: This study analysed MRI-detected cartilage degeneration, quantified structural biomarkers and examined associations with clinical symptoms and disease severity.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 adults who underwent knee MRI between January 2020 and December 2025 at three diagnostic facilities in Abuja. Cartilage thickness, signal heterogeneity, osteophytes and BMLs were assessed. Clinical severity was evaluated retrospectively using a Proxy Symptom Severity Index (PSSI) score and Kellgren-Lawrence grading. Spearman correlation and logistic regression were performed. Ethical approval was obtained (Approval Number: FHREC/2025/01/329/20-10-25) with waiver of informed consent due to the retrospective use of anonymised data.
Results: The study included 200 KOA subjects and 200 controls. MRI demonstrated BMLs in 68.5%, osteophytes in 60.5%, cartilage thinning in 53.5% and signal heterogeneity in 50.5% of KOA subjects, while controls showed no cartilage changes. Median cartilage thickness was significantly lower in KOA subjects than controls (1.671 mm versus 3.107 mm; p<0.001). Cartilage thickness showed no significant differences by disease severity, age or sex and correlated weakly with PSSI scores (ρ=-0.100; p=0.158), indicating structural-symptom discordance.
Conclusion: MRI characterises structural degeneration in KOA. The weak relationship between cartilage thickness and symptoms highlights the importance of combining MRI findings with clinical assessment for effective patient management.
Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis; MRI; cartilage degeneration; cartilage thickness.
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