In vivo micro computed tomography imaging allows longitudinal assessment of multi-scale changes to whole joint with progression of OA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Longitudinal assessment of knee joint structure holds promise for providing invaluable spatial-temporal information on the progression of degenerative musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases involving the knee joint. OBJECTIVE This proof-of-concept study aims to establish a time-lapse in vivo imaging protocol with high temporal resolution to longitudinally track multi-scale structural changes, including mechanical alteration to whole joint structure, sensitive microstructural changes to subchondral bone, and abnormal bone remodeling activity, in a mouse collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (OA) model. METHODS Eight male C57BL/10 mice aged nine weeks were recruited and assigned to two longi..