Longitudinal tracking of alteration pattern on trabecular bone microarchitecture at tibial epiphysis induced by post traumatic osteoarthritis over time

This study aims to track the longitudinal alteration pattern on the trabecular bone microarchitecture at tibial epiphysis induced by T-OA over time using in vivo micro computed tomography (μCT). Ten SD rats were divided into control (n = 5) and T-OA (n = 5) groups. Anterior cruciate ligament transaction was performed for the T-OA group. The results showed that the alteration pattern on the trabecular bone microarchitecture at tibial epiphysis in the T-OA group was definitely different compared with that in the CON group from 0 to 8 weeks (approximately 4-16%, P > 0.05). In particular, a difference was observed in the bone formation and density distributions over time (from 0 or 4 to 8 weeks; approximately 5-15%, P < 0.05). An improved understanding of the alteration pattern on the trabecular bone microarchitecture at tibial epiphysis may assist in developing more targeted treatment interventions for T-OA.