We've discussed the importance of the MRI in scanning for information about sports injuries. It turns out that the MRI can also be used to scan the limbs for other joint problems including degenerative joint diseases. This is done through using something called GAG mapping. GAG mapping may also be useful in diagnosing disease in tissues.
"The early monitoring of the GAG concentration will allow one to provide preventive diagnostics, as well as a tool for monitoring the efficacy of potential drug therapies," Dr. Alexej Jerschow, at the New York University School of Medicine, told Reuters Health. "Measuring GAG concentrations in vivo will also allow us to better understand the mechanism of diseases." (Source)
This method of MRI testing is important on a number of levels then. First, it can be used as a non-invasive method of diagnosing and therefore preventing degenerative joint problems. Second, it can be developed as a non-invasive technique for diagnosing other diseases. And finally, it is a means of providing additional information to medical researchers about the development and spread of a variety of disease.
Question of the Day: Does MRI, PET or CT scan technology interest you most?
