Knee cartilage T2 mapping reveals sport-specific adaptations in adolescent athletes

Sports-active adolescents had higher knee cartilage T2 values in patellofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and medial femoral condyle regions vs controls (p<0.05), with posterior zone changes linked to training duration and years of participation.

• The normal superficial-to-deep T2 gradient was partially altered in sports-active adolescents.
• Daily training duration and years of participation were independently associated with compartment-specific T2 elevations.
• T2 mapping may serve as a biomarker for cartilage at risk before visible structural damage.

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