Objective: In our study, we evaluated the potential of micro-CT for the assessment of the rat knee joint using ex vivo micro-CT arthrography. The aims of the study were to introduce the technique of micro-CT arthrography and to visualize the normal anatomy of the rat knee. The secondary aims were the quantification of retropatellar cartilage thickness and the analysis of microstructural cancellous bone parameters within the tibial epiphysis.
Conclusion: Micro-CT arthrography is a novel technique for the indirect visualization of the distinct features and structural analysis of the rat knee joint. This technique represents an additional imaging and analysis tool in small-animal research.