3D visualization of the lumbar facet joint after degeneration using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography

Abstract

Lumbar facet joint (LFJ) degeneration is believed to be an important cause of low back pain (LBP). Identifying the morphological changes of the LFJ in the degeneration process at a high-resolution level could be meaningful for our better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying this process. In the present study, we determined the 3D morphology of the LFJ using propagation phase contrast micro-tomography (PPCT) in rats to assess the subtle changes that occur during the degeneration process. PPCT provides vivid 3D images of micromorphological changes in the LFJ during its degeneration process, and the changes in the subchondral bone occurred earlier than in the cartilage during the early stage of degeneration of the LFJ. The delineation of this alteration was similar to that with the histological method. Our findings demonstrated that PPCT could serve as a valuable tool for 3D visualization of the morphology of the LFJ by providing comprehensive information about the cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone and their changes during degeneration processes. It might also have great potential for providing effective diagnostic tools to track changes in the cartilage and to evaluate the effects of therapeutic interventions for LFJ degeneration in preclinical studies.

Feasibility study for evaluating early lumbar facet joint degeneration using axial T1ρ, T2, and mapping in cartilage

“…Degenerative changes in LFJs, including loss of LFJ cartilage, rearrangement of trabeculae in subchondral bone, and hypertrophy of articular processes, seem to be linked to LBP and have been confirmed by histological and radiological methods …”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Degenerative changes in LFJs, including loss of LFJ cartilage, rearrangement of trabeculae in subchondral bone, and hypertrophy of articular processes, seem to be linked to LBP and have been confirmed by histological and radiological methods. 9 Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the main methods of examining LFJ morphology. Advanced LFJ degenerative changes are easily found by a routine imaging evaluation, while no obvious morphology changes would be observed in the early stages of LFJ osteoarthritis.…”

Correlation study between facet joint cartilage and intervertebral discs in early lumbar vertebral degeneration using T2, T2* and T1ρ mapping

“…In facet joint (FJ) osteoarthritis, patients demonstrate a loss of articular cartilage matrix, morphological reconstruction of the subchondral bone, and local tissue inflammation[2, 4, 5]. IVD degeneration may also change the mechanical integrity of the local lumbar spine, which may cause LFJ disorder, leading to FJ osteoarthritis[6].…”

Micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy and energy X-ray spectroscopy studies of facet joint degeneration: A comparison to clinical imaging

“…Micro-computed tomography (μCT) (Cao et al, 2016) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are ex vivo characterization techniques that are useful in observing facet joint morphology and degeneration at a microscopic scale (Friedmann et al, 2017). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effective use of ex vivo microscopy methods for comparison with clinical radiographic data (MRI and CT) to provide the framework for future improved validation of lumbar facet joint grading systems that evaluate accuracy of diagnosis rather than inter-and intraoperative agreement alone.…”