Three-dimensional analysis and visualization of regional MR signal intensity distribution of articular cartilage.

The aim of this study was to develop a technique for analyzing and visualizing the regional, three-dimensional signal intensity distribution of articular cartilage in MR images, as a potential surrogate marker of structural or biochemical alterations in early osteoarthritis. Exemplary MR-images of human patellae were acquired at a resolution of 1.5 x 0.