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Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography-based imaging, parameterization, and quantification of human
Nicolai Brill1, Mathias Wirtz1, Dorit Merhof2
1Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology, Steinbachstraße 17, Aachen 52074, Germany.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|July 23, 2016
Summary
Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can image cartilage noninvasively. However, it only detected degeneration-dependent changes in surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, and signal attenuation, not birefringence properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) offers high-resolution, noninvasive imaging of cartilage.
- Comprehensive quantification of human cartilage birefringence using PS-OCT remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To parameterize and quantify human cartilage degeneration using PS-OCT.
- To assess the diagnostic value of PS-OCT in grading cartilage degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized PS-OCT for noninvasive, real-time, cross-sectional imaging of human cartilage.
- Employed algorithm-based image analysis to quantify surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, signal attenuation, and birefringence properties (coefficient, band width, height, depth, number).
Main Results:
- Degeneration-dependent changes were observed in surface irregularity, tissue homogeneity, and signal attenuation.
- No significant degeneration-dependent changes were found in birefringence coefficient, band width, height, depth, or number.
- This suggests limitations in using birefringence parameters for assessing human cartilage degeneration with PS-OCT.
Conclusions:
- PS-OCT can objectively grade certain aspects of human cartilage degeneration.
- Birefringence properties measured by PS-OCT may not be reliable indicators of human cartilage degeneration.
- Further research is needed to refine PS-OCT applications for comprehensive cartilage assessment.
