MR TOMOGRAPHY OF HEMOPHILIC OSTEOARTHROPATHY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SYNOVIAL AND CHONDROGENIC ALTERATIONS

52 knee and ankle joints of hemophiliacs were examined by MRI using FLASH and FISP-3-D sequences; and the degree of synovial hypertrophy and of cartilage destruction were assessed. Findings of synovial hypertrophy varied between thin membranes and tumorous tissue destroying the joint cartilage. Degree of cartilage destruction varied between focal signal decrease and total loss. In spite of recurrent joint bleedings no synovial or cartilaginous changes were seen in 31 % and 29 % of joints, respectively. Changes were more frequently seen and degree was more marked in the ankle than in the knee joints. With the exception of cysts, osseous destruction was more obvious with radiographs. MRI is suitable for the investigation of joints of hemophiliacs showing no osseous destruction.