Comparison of properties determined using electromechanical assessment (Arthro-BST™) with macroscopic and histological properties in symptomatic human articular cartilage of the hip

BACKGROUND: Cartilage degeneration is assessed using various methods. Although macroscopic evaluation can directly measure cartilage degeneration, it cannot accurately assess cartilage properties. Histological examination is one of the most accurate methods for evaluating cartilage degeneration. However, it is invasive and requires collection of cartilage tissue. In contrast, the Arthro-BST™ probe can assess cartilage properties noninvasively. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Arthro-BST in assessing cartilage degeneration by comparing macroscopic (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] classification) and histological evaluations (modified Mankin score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International [OARSI] histological grade). METHODS: Fourteen femoral heads were excised from 13 patients during surgery to treat hip osteoarthritis or femoral fracture. The ICRS score was used for macroscopic evaluation of cartilage degeneration. The Arthro-BST was applied at sites matching the areas of cartilage damage. The sites assessed using the ICRS classification and Arthro-BST were evaluated histologically (modified Mankin score and OARSI histological grade), and these were compared with the Arthro-BST results. RESULTS: The ICRS classification identified significant differences between grades 1 and 3 (p < 0.01), between grades 1 and 4 (p < 0.01), between grades 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), and between grades 2 and 4 (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the Arthro-BST results and the ICRS score, modified Mankin score (structure, cellularity, matrix staining, total score), and OARSI histological grade. CONCLUSIONS: In the assessment of hip osteoarthritis, the Arthro-BST results correlated with those of macroscopic and histological evaluations. The Arthro-BST is useful for assessing hip osteoarthritis and may be helpful for noninvasive assessment of cartilage degeneration. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-021-02611-x.