Investigation of high frequency transducers and coded signals suitable for cartilage volume imaging

TL;DR

This paper compares different high frequency ultrasound transducers and coded signals to evaluate their effectiveness in imaging cartilage, aiming to improve diagnosis of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of transducer types and coded signals specifically for high-resolution cartilage imaging.

Findings

High frequency ultrasound can resolve individual chondrocytes.

Certain transducer types show better suitability for cartilage imaging.

Coded signals enhance image quality and resolution.

Abstract

Cartilage degeneration in joints causing pain and various types of knee problems is a serious problem-affecting people in all ages. Degenerated articular cartilage is also known as a central hallmark of osteoarthritis, which is a complex musculoskeletal disorder involving numerous contributory genetic, constitutional and biomechanical factors. As a part of the cartilage degeneration, the volume occupied by the collagen fibers becomes reduced and the cell (chondrocyte) volume increased. Since high frequency ultrasound has the capability of resolving individual chondrocytes, ultrasound has been suggested as a promising method for determining the cartilage status. In the current work, the main objective has been to compare images taken in vitro with different transducer types, in order to determine their suitability for cartilage imaging.