Detection of subtle cartilage and bone tissue degeneration in the equine joint using polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

The research explores the use of polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) to identify early signs of tissue degeneration in horse joints. The PS-OCT technology can display changes not seen through dissection or microscopy, suggesting its effectiveness in detecting early stage joint degeneration non-invasively.

Methodology

• The researchers used polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) in the experiment. This is a non-invasive technique that uses light waves to capture cross-sectional images of biological tissues.
• The experiment specifically included the imaging of the medial and lateral condyles of the third metacarpal bone in five different equine specimens. The locations systematically acquired images for analyzing tissue sections.

Findings

• PS-OCT was found successful in imaging the full osteochondral (bone and cartilage) unit in horses, capturing structural details of the joint, such as the articular cartilage matrix, the calcified cartilage zone, and the underlying subchondral bone.
• The images obtained through PS-OCT unveiled changes within the matrix and bone which weren’t otherwise visible without dissection or microscopy.

Implication

• The research shows the substantial capability of PS-OCT to pick up on early microstructural changes occurring below the surface, which are related to the initial stages of joint tissue degeneration.
• This suggests promise for the use of PS-OCT in veterinary medicine, specifically in offering a non-invasive and efficient method for detecting early signs of joint degeneration in horses. The earlier the detection, the greater the opportunities for timely intervention and prevention of further tissue degeneration.