Short-term MRI Follow-up and Thin-layer PDWI Sequence without Fat Suppression for Detecting Cartilage Loose Bodies: A Case Report.

Background: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is an idiopathic process and can progress from stable to cartilage fragmentation with the formation of loose bodies in the affected joint capsule. Loose bodies in the knee may wear out the articular cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, leading to a series of problems, such as joint locking, bouncing, joint effusion, and meniscus tear; therefore, early recognition and treatment of intraarticular loose bodies are important to achieve favorable long-term outcomes.

Methods: A 49-year-old male presented with a 1-month history of right knee discomfort. The patient underwent a knee MRI scan and was diagnosed with OCD. A short-term MRI follow-up with a thin-layer PDWI sequence without fat suppression detected the cartilage fragments in the knee capsule. Loose body removal, cartilage repair, and microfracture surgery were performed under arthroscopic surgery, and loose bodies of cartilage fragments were removed.

Conclusions: Short-term MRI follow-up and thin-layer PDWI sequence without fat suppression are necessary for detecting cartilage loose bodies.