Human meniscus a crescent-shaped fibrocartilagenous structure that divides partly the knee
joint cavity and is vulnerable to chemical changes caused by pathological conditions.
Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of cartilage, precipitation of inorganic crystals
and overall deterioration of structure. micro-Raman spectroscopy, a non destructive
vibrational technique with in vivo capabilities, yielding information on chemical composition
of the irradiated specimen, was employed as a tool to detect chemical changes on human
meniscal samples. The spectra were obtained from various spots on the specimen surface,
under the same conditions. The existence of collagen type I was detected on the severely
osteoarthritic areas along with dermatan sulfate, while the existence of collagen type II with
chondroitin sulfate was found on the majority of the spectra obtained. Coexistence of
collagen type I and collagen type II was also observed on a small proportion of the spectra
obtained. Bioapatite and calcite crystals were also detected on the rim of our sample.
(EL)
University of Patras
