Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation
Published on: October 7, 2015
Potential enhancement of articular cartilage histological grading with collagen integrity
Hayley R Moody1, Isaac O Afara2, Sanjleena Singh3
1School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Background:
Histological evaluation of articular cartilage, such as using the Mankin scoring system, is the gold standard for characterization of tissue integrity. This scoring system takes into account several parameters indicative of the tissue's health; however, the collagen integrity, which is a primary indicator of cartilage health is not taken into consideration. Thus, there is need to enhance histological grading of articular cartilage by incorporating explicit scoring of collagen degeneration into the Modified Mankin grading system. This paper explores a new histological grading parameter for collagen network degradation and how this information can be used to augment a widely used grading scheme like the Modified Mankin grading system.
Methods:
Intact and degenerated human cartilage were examined histologically and then subjected to second harmonic generation imaging, leading to qualitative and quantitative description of collagen disruption emanating from the surface to subsurface layers of the tissue. This data was then incorporated into the Modified Mankin grading system.
Findings:
Second harmonic generation image analysis reveals a relationship between changes in collagen architecture and histologically observed tissue disruption in degenerated articular cartilage.
Interpretation:
Histological tissue disruption in degenerated human articular cartilage is directly related to the reorganization of collagen fibrils in the form of intense fibril aggregation, either as a result of degeneration or aging. This method of mapping disrupted tissue regions to quantitative collagen fibril damage can be coded into cartilage grading systems and could inform clinical practice and scientific research.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Graded Potential
Graded potentials fall into two categories: depolarizing and hyperpolarizing. Depolarizing graded potentials typically occur when sodium (Na+) or...
01:15Types of Aggregate Grading
Well-graded aggregates include a complete range of necessary size fractions that fit together to create a dense matrix with minimal voids, represented by a smooth, continuous gradation curve. This type of grading ensures good...
01:11Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
01:26Stomach Histology
01:27Liver Histology
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
01:26Histology of the Large Intestine
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...