Articular Cartilage Optical Properties in the Spectral Range 300-850 nm.
Abstract: Measurements of absolute total reflectance were recorded from weight-bearing (n=9) and nonweight-bearing (n=9) equine articular cartilage specimens from 300 to 850 nm using a spectrophotometer with integrating sphere attachment. Following correction of measured spectra for interfacial reflections and edge losses, Kubelka-Munk theory was applied to estimate absorption and scattering coefficient, one-dimensional light intensity distribution, and light penetration depth. Kubelka-Munk absorption coefficients ranged from ∼7 cm-1 at 330 nm to ∼1 cm-1 at 850 nm. A localized absorption peak was noted at ∼340 nm. Above 510 nm, weight-bearing cartilage demonstrated significantly higher absorption coefficients than nonweight-bearing tissue (paired t-test, p<0.05). Kubelka-Munk scattering coefficients ranged from ∼40 cm-1 at 360 nm to ∼6 cm-1 at 850 nm. No statistical differences in scattering coefficient were noted between weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing tissue. Penetration depths predicted by Kubelka-Munk theory ranged from 0.6 mm at 350 nm to over 3 mm at 850 nm. Stronger absorption in weight-bearing cartilage compared to nonweight-bearing tissue resulted in lower light penetration depths in weight-bearing cartilage at all wavelengths longer than 510 nm. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Publication Date: 1998-07-01 PubMed ID: 23015086DOI: 10.1117/1.429893Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study focuses on measuring and understanding the optical properties of equine (horse) articular cartilage, which is the protective tissue covering the ends of bones. There is an evaluation of the differences in the optical properties between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing cartilage.
Research Method and Measurements
- The researchers took samples of weight-bearing (n=9) and nonweight-bearing (n=9) equine articular cartilage. These samples were measured for absolute total reflectance in the spectral range of 300 to 850 nm using an integrated spectrophotometer and sphere attachment.
- The recorded spectra were corrected for interfacial reflections and any edge losses. The corrected data were then processed using the Kubelka-Munk theory, which is a standard mathematical model used in optics for estimating light absorption and scattering.
Findings and Interpretations
- The researchers found that the Kubelka-Munk absorption coefficients ranged from approximately 7 cm-1 at 330 nm to roughly 1 cm-1 at 850 nm. At around 340 nm, they noticed a localized absorption peak.
- For wavelengths above 510 nm, weight-bearing cartilage displayed much higher absorption coefficients than nonweight-bearing tissue.
- No significant differences in the scattering coefficient were found between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing Cartilage.
Implications of the Findings
- The findings highlight a difference in light absorption by weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing cartilage, with the former showing a higher rate of absorption.
- The Kubelka-Munk theory was used to predict penetration depths, which ranged from 0.6 mm at 350 nm to over 3 mm at 850 nm.
- Because the weight-bearing cartilage absorbs more light, it has lower penetration depths at all wavelengths longer than 510 nm compared to nonweight-bearing cartilage.
- The findings could be significant in the field of medical imaging and diagnosis of cartilage and bone diseases, as it provides valuable baseline data on the optical properties of cartilage.
Cite This Article
APA
Ebert DW, Roberts C, Farrar SK, Johnston WM, Litsky AS, Bertone AL.
(1998).
Articular Cartilage Optical Properties in the Spectral Range 300-850 nm.
J Biomed Opt, 3(3), 326-333.
https://doi.org/10.1117/1.429893 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
Citations
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