Researcher(s)
- Alexander Broadhurst, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Stephanie Cone, Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, and changes in soft tissue pathology following traumatic injury. Although recent progress has been made in musculoskeletal imaging, a comprehensive work flow for evaluating PTOA progression has yet to be established.
This project contributes to the development of a multimodal imaging workflow integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological techniques to characterize structural changes in a rodent injury model of PTOA (DMM). Histological processing included tissue embedding, cryofilm-assisted cryosectioning, and preparation of knee sections to preserve tissue morphology for downstream evaluation. Fluorescent imaging scanning was performed to acquire high-resolution images of prepared tissue sections, this allows for future OARSI scoring. In addition, preclinical MRI of rodent knee joints was conducted using a Bruker Biospec 94/20 9.4 Tesla MRI system to obtain high-resolution images of cartilage menisci, ligaments, and other soft-tissue structures.
The overall integration of both MRI and histological analysis allows for a comprehensive overview that no one single approach can provide. Through participation in this project a technical pipeline was established in cryofilm histology, tissue embedding, fluorescence imaging, and MRI. This multimodal approach supports future investigations of PTOA progression and evaluation of disease modifying therapeutic strategies.