Wei Sun1, Yong Zhang2, Fuqiang Gao1, Zirong Li1, Gang Li3, Lin Pan4. 1. Centre for Osteonecrosis and Joint-Preserving & Reconstruction, China-Japan Friendship Hospital Beijing 100029, China. 2. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Jinan Command General Hospital of PLA Jinan 250031, China. 3. Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics Beijing 100039, China. 4. China-Japan Friendship Institute of Clinical Medical Science Beijing 100029, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To observe micro lesions on the cartilage of the rabbit femoral head using phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray and to prove that this method can be useful in the study of the degeneration of cartilage. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were used in a micro lesion model of rabbit femoral head cartilage. Bilateral femoral heads were excised from rabbits, and micro lesions were made on one side with a specially made knife with a blade 20 μm in width. The other femur was left intact to serve as the control. Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray and conventional X-ray imaging were used to observe the cartilage. Histological changes were investigated using modified Golden tri-color staining. RESULTS: Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray clearly showed the 20 μm lesions on the cartilage on the heads of rabbit femurs. These lesions were not visible with conventional X-ray imaging. Histological observation confirmed the presence of the microscopic lesions. CONCLUSION: Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray can detect microscopic lesions on cartilage that cannot be detected by conventional absorption-contrast X-ray. This provides an unequivocal, non-invasive alternative to histological examination in the diagnosis of joint disease. It should be considered a new tool in osteoarthritis and cartilage research.
BACKGROUND: To observe micro lesions on the cartilage of the rabbit femoral head using phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray and to prove that this method can be useful in the study of the degeneration of cartilage. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were used in a micro lesion model of rabbit femoral head cartilage. Bilateral femoral heads were excised from rabbits, and micro lesions were made on one side with a specially made knife with a blade 20 μm in width. The other femur was left intact to serve as the control. Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray and conventional X-ray imaging were used to observe the cartilage. Histological changes were investigated using modified Golden tri-color staining. RESULTS: Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray clearly showed the 20 μm lesions on the cartilage on the heads of rabbit femurs. These lesions were not visible with conventional X-ray imaging. Histological observation confirmed the presence of the microscopic lesions. CONCLUSION: Phase-contrast imaging with synchrotron hard X-ray can detect microscopic lesions on cartilage that cannot be detected by conventional absorption-contrast X-ray. This provides an unequivocal, non-invasive alternative to histological examination in the diagnosis of joint disease. It should be considered a new tool in osteoarthritis and cartilage research.
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