Fig. 2

Assessment by ICRS classification and measured values from DT imaging, T2 mapping, LIPA, and Mankin score. a Changes in ADC due to cartilage degeneration. The ADC increased as the ICRS grade increased. Statistically significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 2 (P < 0.01); grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01); grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01). b Changes in T2 values due to cartilage degeneration. T2 values increased as the ICRS grade increased. Statistically significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01), grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01). c Changes in τ values due to cartilage degeneration. τ increased as the ICRS grade increased. Statistically significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.05); grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.05). d Changes in Mankin score due to cartilage degeneration. Manikin score increased as ICRS grade increased. Statistically significant differences were observed in ICRS grade 1 versus grade 3 (P < 0.01); grade 1 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); grade 2 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01); and grade 3 versus grade 4 (P < 0.01). ADC apparent diffusion coefficient, DT diffusion tensor, ICRS International Cartilage Repair Society, LIPA laser-induced photoacoustic