Local Patterns in 2-Year T and T Changes of Hip Cartilage Are Related to Sex and Functional Data: A Prospective Evaluation on Hip Osteoarthritis Participants

Background: Although T and T have emerged as early indicators for hip osteoarthritis (OA), there is little information regarding longitudinal changes across the cartilage in the early stages of this disease.

Purpose: To characterize the variability in 2-year hip cartilage T and T changes and investigate associations between these patterns of change and common indicators of hip OA.

Study Type: Prospective.

Population: A total of 25 women (age: 51.9 ± 16.3 years old; BMI: 22.6 ± 2.0 kg/m ) and 17 men (age: 55.8 ± 14.9 years old; body mass index (BMI): 24.4 ± 3.8 kg/m ) who were healthy or with early-to-moderate hip OA.

Field Strength/sequence: A 3 T MRI (GE), 3D combined T /T magnetization-prepared angle-modulated partitioned k-space spoiled gradient echo snapshots.

Assessment: Principal component (PC) analysis of Z-score difference maps of 2-year changes in hip cartilage T and T relaxation times, participant hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores (HOOS) and functional tests at 2-year follow-up.

Statistical Tests: Shapiro-Wilk test, unpaired t-tests, Kruskal Wallis tests, Pearson or Spearman (ρ) correlations. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Women (-6.40 ± 14.48) had significantly lower T PC1 scores than men (10.05 ± 26.15). T PC4 was significantly correlated with HOOS , HOOS , HOOS , HOOS , and HOOS at 2-year follow-up (ρ: [0.36, 0.50]). T PC2 and PC4 were significantly correlated with 30-second chair test (ρ = -0.39 and ρ = 0.24, respectively) and side plank (ρ = -0.32 and ρ = 0.21). T and T PC2 were significantly correlated with 40 m walk test (ρ = 0.34 and ρ = 0.31) and 30-second chair rise test (ρ = -0.39 and ρ = -0.32).

Data Conclusion: Men exhibited accelerated T increases across the femoral cartilage compared to women, suggesting sex should be considered when evaluating early hip OA. Participants with poorer HOOS and function exhibited greater T and T increases in superior and anterior femoral cartilage and greater T increases in the anterior femoral cartilage. These patterns of short-term relaxometry increases could indicate hip OA progression.

Evidence Level: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.