Contrast-Enhanced Micro-Computed Tomography of Compartment and Time-Dependent Changes in Femoral Cartilage and Subchondral Plate in a Murine Model of Osteoarthritis

In this study, we use contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (µCT) to establish a timeline of subchondral plate and cartilage changes in the murine femur after destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). We performed DMM or sham surgery in 10–12-week-old male C57Bl/6J mice. Femora were imaged using µCT after 0-, 2-, 4-, or 8-weeks. Cartilage-optimized scans were performed after immersion in contrast agent CA4+. Bone mineral density distribution (BMDD), cartilage attenuation, subchondral plate (SCP) and cartilage thickness and volume were measured, including lateral and medial femoral condyle and patellar groove compartments of the operated legs.