Onset of preclinical osteoarthritis: The angular spatial organization permits early diagnosis

Abstract

This study is the first to identify the presence of angular characteristics of spatial chondrocyte organization and species-specific remodeling processes correlating with OA onset. The appearance of distinct angular and spatial patterns between neighboring chondrocytes can identify the onset of distant OA prior to microscopically visible tissue damage and possibly before clinical onset. With further development, this novel concept may become suitable for the diagnosis and followup of patients susceptible to OA.