Exploratory neutron tomography of articular cartilage
Authors' conclusion
Neutron tomography is a viable technique for specialized studies of cartilage, particularly for quantifying properties relating to the hydrogen density of the tissue matrix or water movement in the tissue.
Study context
- Population
- Human articular cartilage samples from 14 deceased donors (18–75 years, 9 males, 5 females) and 4 patients undergoing total knee replacement due to known osteoarthritis (OA) (all female, 61–75 years)14 donors + 4 OA patients
- Comparison
- Sample preparation techniques for neutron tomography of human articular cartilage
- Outcome
- Feasibility of neutron tomography and intra-tissue contrast by sample preparation technique
Methodological detailsexploratory, feasibility, two large scale facilities, Neutron tomographic imaging (isotropic voxel sizes 7.5 to 13.5 µm); 3D images compared with absorption X-ray tomography, MRI and histology
- Exploratory
- Feasibility
- Two large scale facilities
- Neutron tomographic imaging (isotropic voxel sizes 7.5 to 13.5 µm); 3D images compared with absorption X-ray tomography, MRI and histology
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Cartilage distinguishable from background and other tissues in neutron tomographs
- Intra-tissue contrast highest in heavy water-treated samples, with clear gradient from cartilage surface to bone interface
- Increased neutron flux or exposure time improved image quality but did not affect ability to detect gradients
- Samples from older donors showed high variation in gradient profile, especially donors with known OA
Original publication
Exploratory neutron tomography of articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Published 4 March 2024. doi:10.
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