Dual-contrast computed tomography enables detection of equine posttraumatic osteoarthritis in vitro

Annina E.A. Saukko*, Jaakko K. Sarin, Olli Nykänen, Mikko J. Nissi, Nikae C.R. te Moller, Harrie Weinans, Irina A.D. Mancini, Jetze Visser, Harold Brommer, P. Réné van Weeren, Jos Malda, Mark W. Grinstaff, Juha Töyräs

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

To prevent the progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, assessment of cartilage composition is critical for effective treatment planning. Posttraumatic changes include proteoglycan (PG) loss and elevated water content. Quantitative dual-energy computed tomography (QDECT) provides a means to diagnose these changes. Here, we determine the potential of QDECT to evaluate tissue quality surrounding cartilage lesions in an equine model, hypothesizing that QDECT allows detection of posttraumatic degeneration by providing quantitative information on PG and water contents based on the partitions of cationic and nonionic agents in a contrast mixture. Posttraumatic osteoarthritic samples were obtained from a cartilage repair study in which full-thickness chondral defects were created surgically in both stifles of seven Shetland ponies. Control samples were collected from three nonoperated ponies. The experimental (n = 14) and control samples (n = 6) were immersed in the contrast agent mixture and the distributions of the agents were determined at various diffusion time points. As a reference, equilibrium moduli, dynamic moduli, and PG content were measured. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in partitions between the experimental and control samples were demonstrated with cationic contrast agent at 30 min, 60 min, and 20 h, and with non-ionic agent at 60 and 120 min. Significant Spearman's rank correlations were obtained at 20 and 24 h (ρ = 0.482–0.693) between the partition of cationic contrast agent, cartilage biomechanical properties, and PG content. QDECT enables evaluation of posttraumatic changes surrounding a lesion and quantification of PG content, thus advancing the diagnostics of the extent and severity of cartilage injuries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)703-711
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research
Volume40
Issue number3
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • articular cartilage
  • cationic contrast agent
  • contrast-enhanced computed tomography
  • dual-contrast agent
  • dual-energy computed tomography
  • posttraumatic osteoarthritis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dual-contrast computed tomography enables detection of equine posttraumatic osteoarthritis in vitro'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this