Quantitative cell and matrix changes in human humeral head osteoarthritic cartilage

A new quantitative method was devised both to establish an objective standa rd for morphometric diagnosis and to determine the extent of degeneration i n osteoarthritic cartilage. Eight normal and forty-eight osteoarthritic hum eral heads, subsequently confirmed by light microscopy, were obtained at ne cropsy. The articular cartilage was observed in situ with a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and morphometric measurements determined cell de nsity (cells/mm), cell volume fraction (%) and mean cell volume (mum(3)). T he osteoarthritic cartilages were classified according to the following fou r characteristics: increase in thickness, increase in cell volume fraction, decrease in cell volume fraction, and fibrous pannus. Deviations in cell d ensity and cell volume fraction from normal means were calculated as extent of degeneration. Our present approach aims to provide valuable clues, such as objective stereological information and a unique reference for biochemi cal and traditional morphological analyses, that clinicians will be able to use in combination with other methods in order to establish a reliable dia gnosis.