The Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery of the Sechenov University has developed a unique method for intraoperative diagnosis of cartilage tissue: optical spectroscopy. It allows you to assess the vitality of cartilage at the molecular level and predict its condition for 1-3 years in advance. This was told to socialbites.ca at the First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov.
Today, there are many diagnostic methods in the field of traumatology and orthopedics, both invasive and non-invasive. However, according to traumatologists, all of them are quite subjective. Therefore, doctors needed a technique that could objectify the visual and tactile sensations of a patient when evaluating his cartilage. The optical spectroscopy method came to this, which allows you to give accurate quantitative information about what is happening inside the joint.
At the first stage, the joint is examined using special white light sensors. During the diagnostic process, light is reflected from various parts of the joint and recorded. An algorithm and diagnostic scheme have been developed for the correct application of the technique. The articular cartilage is divided into sections, and each section corresponds to a certain spectrum range; during the preclinical study, the necessary number of spectra were collected to characterize each stage.
“This is a fast and safe technique without damaging the cartilage; simple recording of spectra. It allows you to see the early stages of destruction that are not visible visually. Without accurate determination of the boundaries of cartilage viability, it is impossible to plan reconstructive operations when it is necessary to place grafts. If the boundaries are incorrect, even the most modern operation will entail a high risk of complications for the patient,” Marina Lipina, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Disaster Surgery at Sechenov University, told socialbites.ca.
Currently, the optical spectroscopy method is actively used in the Clinic of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Joint Pathology of Sechenov University. In the future, having a large database and modern diagnostic capabilities, it will be possible to make predictions using statistical mathematical analysis.
“We will be able to accurately predict what will happen to a patient in 1-3 years, taking into account parameters such as height and weight of the patient with a certain degree of physical activity. In this way, the patient will have comprehensive information about the sports he can do, the recommended body weight and lifestyle. This prediction will allow people to avoid radical joint surgery for as long as possible, and patients will be able to maintain the results of the treatment,” Lipina said.
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Source: Gazeta
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