Abstract
Selecting identical topographical locations to analyse pathological structural changes of the osteochondral unit in translational models remains difficult. The specific aim of the study was to provide objectively defined reference points on the ovine tibial plateau based on 2-D sections of micro-CT images useful for reproducible sample harvesting and as standardized landmarks for landmark-based 3-D image registration. We propose 5 reference points, 11 reference lines and 12 subregions that are detectable macroscopically and on 2-D micro-CT sections. Their value was confirmed applying landmark-based rigid and affine 3-D registration methods. Intra- and interobserver comparison showed high reliabilities, and constant positions (standard errors < 1%). Spatial patterns of the thicknesses of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone plate were revealed by measurements in 96 individual points of the tibial plateau. As a case study, pathological phenomena 6 months following OA induction in vivo such as osteophytes and areas of OA development were mapped to the individual subregions. These new reference points and subregions are directly identifiable on tibial plateau specimens or macroscopic images, enabling a precise topographical location of pathological structural changes of the osteochondral unit in both 2-D and 3-D subspaces in a region-appropriate fashion relevant for translational investigations.
Highlights
Mapping of pathological structural changes such as occurring in osteoarthritis (OA) in translational models to a precise topographical location is critical for establishing connections between the underlying factors of this debilitating musculoskeletal disease that likely act in an integrated fashion[1,2]
Our data show that reliable landmarks for precise topographical analyses of the ovine tibial plateau in 2-D and 3-D subspaces can be defined, allowing for a quick and convenient identification of pathological structural changes
A prominent groove of the extensor digitorum longus tendon lies anterior to the lateral tibial plateau
Summary
Mapping of pathological structural changes such as occurring in osteoarthritis (OA) in translational models to a precise topographical location is critical for establishing connections between the underlying factors of this debilitating musculoskeletal disease that likely act in an integrated fashion[1,2]. The aim of the present study was to propose stable reference points reflecting anatomic landmarks of the ovine tibial plateau and to define regions, allowing for a convenient and accurate sample harvesting from identical locations. We hypothesized that such objectively recognizable reference points -visible both by macroscopic analysis and on micro-CT sections- can be defined on the ovine tibial plateau. Our data show that reliable landmarks for precise topographical analyses of the ovine tibial plateau in 2-D and 3-D subspaces can be defined, allowing for a quick and convenient identification of pathological structural changes
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