Gadolinium complexes for use as contrast agents, and methods for making and using the gadolinium complexes, are described. The contrast agent complexes preferably have a net positive charge, and can electrostatically interact with glycosaminoglycans to improve the delineation of fine tears within cartilage, detection of cartilage degeneration, or assessment of cartilage thickness, morphology, or glycosaminoglycan content via magnetic resonance imaging.
