FEASIBILITY STUDY--ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE

本文拟进行的研究旨在探讨使用高密度电子产品的可行性。 超声频率成像对进展性病变的定性和监测 与骨关节炎相关的关节软骨退行性变。这个 方法提供了对关系的全面调查 超声信号描述子与几何和生化之间的关系 软骨的特性。 这项研究的具体目的是为了检查超声波衰减， 厚度、表面散射和内部散射；并关联 这些描述符与软骨的水分含量、糖醛酸 浓度、厚度和组织学外观。数据处理 将开发算法来提取超声描述符 以25%的频率获得数字化的A型信号和B型图像 MHZ和50 MHZ。超声测量与计算机辅助测量之间的关系 组织学和生化特性将按标准进行检查 相关分析、线性回归分析和非参数方法 利用统计模式识别。 犬类和人类关节软骨的体外实验将检验 实际可获得的组织表征能力、复杂性 以及该办法的总体可行性。如果 方法显示出与临床相称的辨别能力 需求，后续提案将致力于开发一个 关节超声成像探头用于活体应用。

The studies proposed herein investigate the feasibility of using high- frequency ultrasonic imaging to characterize and monitor the progressive articular cartilage degeneration associated with osteoarthritis. The approach provides a comprehensive investigation of the relationships between ultrasonic signal descriptors and the geometrical and biochemical properties of cartilage. Specific aims of the study are designed to examine ultrasonic attenuation, thickness, surface scattering, and internal scattering; and to correlate these descriptors with the cartilage water content, uronic acid concentration, thickness, and histologic appearance. Data processing algorithms will be developed to extract the ultrasonic descriptors from digitized A-mode signals and B-mode images obtained at frequencies of 25 MHz and 50 MHz. The relationship between ultrasonic measurements and histologic and biochemical properties will be examined by standard correlation and linear regression analysis and a nonparametric approach utilizing statistical pattern recognition. In vitro experiments with canine and human articular cartilage will examine the practically attainable tissue characterization capability, complexity of implementation, and overall feasibility of the approach. If the approach exhibits discrimination capabilities commensurate with clinical needs, a follow-up proposal will be devoted to the development of an arthrosonographic imaging probe for in vivo application.