¹H double-quantum-filtered MR imaging as a new tool for assessment of healing of the ruptured Achilles tendon

¹H double-quantum-filtered magnetic resonance imaging (DQF MRI) was applied to monitor the healing process of the Achilles tendons in rabbits after tenotomy. DQF MRI provides a new contrast, which is based on the non- zero average of the dipolar interaction caused by anisotropic motion of water molecules, determined mainly by their interaction with the ordered collagen fibers. Tissues are characterized by the dependence of their DQF signal on the DQ creation time, τ. With the use of DQF MRI, higher tissue contrast is obtained between tendon, bone, skin, and muscle. The tendons, which give weak signals in standard MRI techniques, are highlighted in the ¹H DQF image. The image changed dramatically during the healing process of the injured Achilles tendon. These changes matched the phases of the healing process. By using a τ-weighted contrast, the DQF images indicate the part of tendon that has not completely healed, even after the conventional MRI appeared normal.