Bone and joint modeling from 3D knee MRI: feasibility and comparison with radiographs and 2D MRI

PurposeThe purpose was to evaluate feasibility of bone and joint segmentations from three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI).MethodsSegmented joint models from 3D MRI data set were obtained for 42 patients. Blinded angular and joint space measurements were performed on 3D MRI model, two-dimensional (2D) MRI, and radiography (XR).ResultsMedial joint space was similar on both XR and 3D MRI (P =.3). The XR measurements were statistically different but closer to 3D MRI for lateral patellar tilt angle, patellar tendon length, and lateral knee joint space, whereas 2D MRI measurements were closer to XR in terms of trochlear depth, sulcal angle, and patellar length.Conclusion3D bone and joint segmentations are feasible from isotropic MRI data sets.