Abstract: Objective To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in quantitative evaluation of
cartilage repair following matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT). Methods Six patients (with 9
plug cartilages) following MACT underwent MRI on a 3.0 Tesla MR scan system at 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. The
full-thickness and zonal areas (deep and superficial layers) T2 values were calculated for the repaired cartilage and control
cartilage. Results The mean T2 values of the repaired cartilage after MACT were significantly higher than that of the control
cartilages at 3 and 6 months (P<0.05), but not at 12 months (P=0.063). At 6 and 12 months, the T2 values of the superficial layers
were significantly higher than those of the deep layers in the repaired cartilages (P<0.05). The zonal (deep and superficial
layers) T2 values of the repaired cartilages decreased significantly over time at 6 and 12 months as compared to those at 3
months after the surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion MRI T2 mapping can serve as an important modality for assessing the repair of
the articular cartilage following MACT.