Key Indexing Tenns: OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY OSTEOARTHRITIS CARTILAGE ARTHROSCOPY SYNOVIAL BIOPSY BIOMEDICAL IMAGING

ABSTRAC1: Objective. We describe optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high resolution micron scale imag-ing technology, for assessment of osteoarthritic articular cartilage microstructure. OCT is analogous to ultrasound, measuring the intensity of backreftected infrared light rather than acoustical waves. Methods. OCT imaging was performed on over 100 sites on 20 normal and osteoarthritic cartilage specimens in vitro. Results. Microstructures that were identified included fibrillations, fibrosis, cartilage thickness, and new bone growth at resolutions between 5 and 15 ~m. In addition, the polarization sensitivity of imaging suggested a diagnostic role of polarization spectroscopy. Conclusion. OCT represents an attractive new technology for intraarticular imaging due to its high resolution (greater than any available clinical technology), ability to be integrated into small arthro-scopes, compact portable design, and relatively low cost. (1 RheumatoI1999;26:627-35