title: Three-dimensional imaging and analysis of human cartilage degeneration using Optical Coherence Tomography.
abstract: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an evolving imaging technology allowing non-destructive imaging of cartilage tissue at near-histological resolution. This study investigated the diagnostic value of real time 3-D OCT in comparison to conventional 2-D OCT in the comprehensive grading of human cartilage degeneration. Fifty-three human osteochondral samples were obtained from eight total knee arthroplasties. OCT imaging was performed by either obtaining a single two-dimensional cross-sectional image (2-D OCT) or by collecting 100 consecutive parallel 2-D OCT images to generate a volumetric data set of 8 × 8 mm (3-D OCT). OCT images were assessed qualitatively according to a modified version of the DJD classification and quantitatively by algorithm-based evaluation of surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, and signal attenuation. Samples were graded according to the Outerbridge classification and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Tukey's or Dunn's post-hoc tests. Overall, the generation of 3-D volumetric datasets and their multiple reconstructions such as rendering, surface topography, parametric, and cross-sectional views proved to be of potential diagnostic value. With increasing distance to the mid-sagittal plane and increasing degeneration, score deviations increased, too. In conclusion, 3-D imaging of cartilage with image analysis algorithms adds considerable potential diagnostic value to conventional OCT diagnostics.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics, Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Nebelung
authors: Nicolai
authors: N
authors: Brill
authors: Ulrich
authors: U
authors: Marx
authors: Valentin
authors: V
authors: Quack
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Tingart
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Schmitt
authors: Björn
authors: B
authors: Rath
authors: Holger
authors: H
authors: Jahr
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence
keywords: 2-D OCT; 3-D OCT; cartilage; degeneration; optical coherence tomography