Polarized reflectance from articular cartilage depends upon superficial zone collagen network microstructure.

Polarized reflectance from articular cartilage involves light scattering dependent on surface features, sub-surface optical properties, and collagen birefringence. To understand how surface roughness, zonal collagen microstructure, and chondrocyte organization contribute to polarized reflectance signals, experiments were conducted on bovine cartilage explants and osteochondral cores to compare polarized reflectance texture with split lines and relate these signals to cartilage zonal features and chondrocyte distribution. Texture parameter sensitivity to articular surface damage was determined from polarized reflectance maps and optimized to detect surface damage. Results indicate that polarized reflectance texture predominantly derives from the superficial zone collagen network, while the parameter average value also depends on surface roughness and total cartilage thickness.