Detection of experimentally produced occult microcracks

at the bone-cartilage interface.

J. Biotechnic & Histochemistry. 74(1):27-33, 1999.

Atkinson, PJ, Walsh, JA, Haut, RC.

ABSTRACT:

We compared 3 histological preparation methods to detect experimentally produced occult microcracks in decalcified human patellae: a paraffin tape-transfer technique, a paraffin slab-cut method, and a paraffin method with methyl salicylate as the clearing agent. Microcracks were observed at the bone-cartilage interface and were oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the tidemark. Both types of microcracks were documented with each preparation method. The slab-cut method was time consuming, however, the section thickness allowed a detailed analysis of the architecture of microcracks as they passed into the depth of the section. The methyl salicylate method was efficient and produced thin, serial sections of good morphological detail, and minimal cutting artifact. Reliable histological data were also derived from the tape-transfer technique, however, this method was inconsistent. The methods summarized here for processing decalcified human joint tissues provide a basis for future orthopaedic studies investigating occult microfractures at the bone-cartilage interface.

Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratories,

College of Osteopathic Medicine,

Michigan State University,

East Lansing, Michigan 48824

Please address correspondence to:

Roger C. Haut, Ph.D.,

Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,

College of Osteopathic Medicine,

A414 East Fee Hall,

Michigan State University,

East Lansing, MI 48824,

Tel: (517)355-0320,

Fax: (517)353-0789,

E-mail: haut@msu.edu