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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
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In vivo Structural Assessments of Ocular Disease in Rodent Models using Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: July 24, 2020
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Two- and three-dimensional optical coherence tomography to differentiate degenerative changes in a rat meniscectomy
Yoshihisa Kushida1, Nobutake Ozeki1, Mitsuru Mizuno1
1Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
Three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (3D OCT) effectively quantifies cartilage volume changes in osteoarthritis models. This advanced imaging method correlates well with histological scores, offering a clearer view of cartilage defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising non-invasive imaging technique for cartilage evaluation.
- Existing OCT devices can capture detailed 2D images of cartilage structure.
- Analyzing these 2D images to assess volumetric changes and defect morphology presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a 3D OCT system for reconstructing and analyzing cartilage.
- To assess the utility of 3D OCT renderings in a rat meniscectomy model of osteoarthritis.
- To correlate 3D OCT-derived cartilage volume with histological osteoarthritis scores.
Main Methods:
- A 3D OCT system was developed to reconstruct cartilage surface and bone boundary from sequential 2D OCT images.
- Tibial cartilage from a rat meniscectomy model was scanned at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery.
- Semi-automatic segmentation and manual correction were used to quantify cartilage volume in 3D reconstructions.
- Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histological scores were obtained for comparison.
Main Results:
- Cartilage volume significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks post-meniscectomy compared to controls.
- A significant negative correlation was found between 3D OCT-derived cartilage volume and OARSI histological scores (r = -0.674, P = .002).
- 3D OCT reconstructions provided intuitive visualization of surface smoothness, defect area, and depth.
Conclusions:
- 3D OCT imaging is a valuable tool for quantifying cartilage volume loss in osteoarthritis.
- The developed 3D OCT system provides a comprehensive and easily interpretable assessment of cartilage integrity.
- This method shows strong potential for monitoring osteoarthritis progression and treatment efficacy.
