Imaging joint biomechanics in growth and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a major financial, social and healthcare burden. Our previous research has identified associations between growth plate cartilage phenotypes and osteoarthritis development. Further, we have developed new synchrotron X-ray imaging (sCT) technologies to allow determination of nanoscale mechanical strains in intact joints under loading using a unique mechanical loading rig (P2R). Here we will build on this work and examine our hypothesis that: growth plate cartilage dynamics and joint biomechanical functionality are intimately linked. We will apply loads to young, adult and aged osteoarthritis-prone (STR/Ort mice) and healthy (CBA wild-type mice) intact joints using the P2R and examine the subsequent strain patterns using our unique digital volume correlation code. We will then correlate these to hierarchical anatomical changes in joint tissue structures, to determine their interplay with the mechanical behaviour, and how these may underpin osteoarthritis development.