Comparison of Properties Determined Using Electromechanical Assessment (Arthro-BSTTM) With Macroscopic and Histological Properties in Symptomatic Human Articular Cartilage of the Hip
Abstract Background: Cartilage degeneration is assessed using various methods. Although macroscopic evaluation can measure cartilage degeneration directly, it cannot accurately assess cartilage properties. Histological examination is one of the most accurate methods for evaluating cartilage degeneration. However, it is invasive and requires collection of cartilage tissue. By contrast, the Arthro-BSTTM probe can assess cartilage properties noninvasively. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Arthro-BST for assessing cartilage degeneration by comparing macroscopic evaluation (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] classification) and histological evaluation (modified Mankin score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International [OARSI] histological grade).Methods: Fourteen femoral heads were excised from 13 patients during surgery to treat hip osteoarthritis or femoral fracture. The ICRS score was used for macroscopic evaluation of cartilage degeneration. The Arthro-BST was applied at sites matching the areas of cartilage damage. The sites assessed using the ICRS classification and Arthro-BST were evaluated histologically (modified Mankin score and OARSI histological grade), and these were compared with the Arthro-BST results.Results: ICRS classification identified significant differences between grades 1 and 3 (p < 0.01), grades 1 and 4 (p < 0.01), grades 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), and grades 2 and 4 (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the Arthro-BST results and the ICRS score, modified Mankin score (structure, cellularity, matrix staining, total score), and OARSI histological grade.Conclusions: In the assessment of hip osteoarthritis, Arthro-BST results correlated with those of macroscopic and histological evaluation. The Arthro-BST is useful for assessing hip osteoarthritis and may be helpful for the noninvasive assessment of cartilage degeneration.