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Table 1 Comparative features and guidelines for applying contemporary imaging techniques in imaging components of articular cartilage

From: High-resolution measurements of the multilayer ultra-structure of articular cartilage and their translational potential

Imaging techniques

Comparative features

Chondrocyte

Collagen

Elastin

Proteoglycan

Resolution

Depth

Cost

Time-consuming

Friendly access

MRI

    

+

 

++

+

++

Electron microscopy

+

++

 

+++

+++

 

+++

+++

+

CLSM

+++

+++

+++

 

++

++

++

+

+++

SHG

+

+++

  

++

+++

++

+

++

LSCA

++

+

  

++

++

+

+

+++

SHG arthroscope (potential)

+

+++

  

++

+++

++

+

+++

  1. + average, ++ recommended, +++ highly recommended. CLSM, confocal laser scanning microscopy; LSCA, laser scanning confocal arthroscopy; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SHG, second-harmonic generation.
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Arthritis Research & Therapy

ISSN: 1478-6362

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