High-Resolution Imaging of Osteoarthritis Using Microcomputed Tomography

摘要: Three-dimensional imaging of osteoarthritis is so far limited to late stages the disease. In this chapter we introduce microcomputed tomography (microCT) as a new tool that offers exciting features for diagnosis earlier disease and monitoring. microCT provides spatial resolution better than 100 microm, but size objects can be scanned restricted several centimeters. The strength X-ray-based techniques like micro CT excellent visualization bone. Therefore, main application in (OA) will analysis bone small-animal models or human biopsies. As an example, exemplarily describe examination knee joints male STR1N mice. This inbred strain spontaneously develops OA carries many characteristics With it possible monitor prominent bony alterations such osteophyte formation, trabecular remodeling, subchondral plate thickening, sclerosis. We discuss sample preparation, scanning procedures, data processing, well implications restrictions vivo vitro applications.