X-ray detection of structural orientation in human articular cartilage.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of detecting the structural orientation in cartilage with Diffraction Enhanced X-Ray Imaging.


METHODS
Human tali and femoral head specimens were Diffraction Enhanced X-Ray Imaged (DEI) at the SYRMEP beamline at Elettra at various energy levels to detect the architectural arrangement of collagen within cartilage. DEI utilizes a monochromatic and highly collimated beam, with an analyzer crystal that selectively weights out photons according to the angle they have been deviated with respect to the original direction. This provides images of very high contrast, and with the rejection of X-ray scatter.


RESULTS
DEI allowed the visualization of articular cartilage and a structural orientation, resembling arcades, within.


CONCLUSIONS
Our diffraction enhanced images represent the first radiographic detection of the structural orientation in cartilage. Our data are in line with previous studies on the structural organization of joint cartilage. They confirm the model of a vaulting system of collagen fiber bundles interrupted by proteoglycan aggregates.
Muehleman
Carol
C
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush Medical College, IL 60612, Chicago, USA. cmuehleman@rushu.rush.edu
Majumdar
Sharmila
S
Issever
Ahi Sema
AS
Arfelli
Fulvia
F
Menk
Ralf Hendrik
RH
Rigon
Luigi
L
Heitner
Gabriele
G
Reime
Bernd
B
Metge
Joachim
J
Wagner
Andreas
A
Kuettner
Klaus E
KE
Mollenhauer
Juergen
J
D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D010619:Phenazines; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D013628:Talus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D004396:Coloring Agents; D010619:Phenazines; D011509:Proteoglycans; D003094:Collagen; C009195:safranine T