Detection and characterization of crystal suspensions using single-source dual-energy computed tomography: a phantom model of crystal arthropathies.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform phantom measurements to prove the feasibility of single-source dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) of the extremities using a volume scan mode. In addition, we, for the first time, wanted to determine which concentrations of monosodium urate (MSU) in gout and calcium pyrophosphate (CP) in pseudogout are needed to detect or distinguish these soft tissue depositions with DECT.

Materials And Methods: We created a hand-shaped plastic phantom assembled with a descending order of concentrations of MSU (6.

Collagen synthesis of articular cartilage explants in response to frequency of cyclic mechanical loading.

Articular cartilage in vivo experiences the effects of both cell-regulatory proteins and mechanical forces. This study has addressed the hypothesis that the frequency of intermittently or continuously applied mechanical loads is a critical parameter in the regulation of chondrocyte collagen biosynthesis. Cyclic compressive pressure was applied intermittently to bovine articular cartilage explants by using a sinusoidal waveform of 0.