Micro-computed tomography reveals high-density mineralised protrusions and microstructural lesions in equine stifle joint articular cartilage.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stifle osteoarthritis (OA) lesions are most common in the medial femorotibial (MFT) compartment. Their characterisation and mapping will inform equine veterinarians towards an accurate diagnosis of OA.

Objectives

Investigate and map micro-CT (μCT) changes in the hyaline articular cartilage (HAC) in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP).

Study design

Ex vivo cadaveric.

Methods

Stifles (n = 7 OA and 17 control [CO]) were retrieved from a tissue bank. The MFC and MFT were imaged with μCT. Regions of interest (ROIs) were cranial (MFCcr; MTPcr) and caudal (MFCca; MTPca) sites. In each ROI, μCT images were scored for HAC fibrillation, surface mineralisation and for the presence of high-density mineralised protrusions (HDMP). The

SUBMITTER: Ducrocq M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11616958 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature