Novel imaging metrics and finite element methods for understanding role of bone in osteoarthritis

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Non-invasive medical imaging techniques (such Computed Tomography) and computer modeling can help us to better understand the cause of osteoarthritis, a painful ‘wear and tear’ disease on the cartilage and bone of joints which affects over 3 million Canadians. It is not known what causes osteoarthritis but changes in the geometrical and mechanical properties of bone underlying cartilage, known as subchondral bone, may influence cartilage breakdown. The goal of this research is to develop and validate tools that can be used to assess geometrical and mechanical properties of subchondral bone. This will be accomplished using Computed Tomography combined with (1) new imaging methods, and (2) computer modeling--specifically finite element (FE) modeling. We will validate new geometrical measures of subchondral bone obtained using Compted Tomography against those obtained using micro Computed Tomography, a high resolution imaging system dedicated for small sample imaging. We will validate FE modeling estimates of subchondral bone mechanical properties using unique methods which simultaneously merge imaging and material-testing. This research will support the training of students in a multidisciplinary area involving mechanical and biomedical engineering, kinesiology, and medicine. This research will provide new imaging tools capable of reliably characterizing altered subchondral bone, and computer models that will be used to better understand joint disease. Knowledge gained through the proposed research will help our understanding of osteoarthritis and assist with development of new diagnostic tools for assessing joint health.