Journal of biomedical optics
Histopathological analysis for human articular cartilage using a Raman probe system
By Kiyomatsu H, Toda K, Katagiri T and 7 others.
Abstract
Significance
The molecular pathogenesis of degenerative alterations in articular cartilage is still not fully understood. Raman spectroscopy using a fiber-optic probe system is a promising approach for the early diagnosis and prevention of joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.
Aim
This study aims to characterize the degenerative changes in the joint articular cartilage using a hollow-core fiber Raman probe designed for future arthroscopic use. Approach: Human articular cartilage specimens were obtained from 12 patients who underwent knee ( n = 5 ) or shoulder ( n = 7 ) arthroplasty. All surgical specimens were measured ex vivo after fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The articular cartilage tissues at the knee, hip, and shoulder joints were obtained from a single cadaver donor. Raman spectra of the cartilage specimens were acquired and analyzed using a handheld Raman probe system.
