Imaging is critical to studies of musculoskeletal repair and regeneration for both development of newinterventions and evaluation of response. The broad objective of the Imaging Core of the Core Center forMusculoskeletal Repair and Regeneration is to provide assessments central to understanding the linksbetween form and function in repaired and regenerated bones and soft tissues.
The specific aims are toprovide a cooperative environment among researchers using structural (micro-computed tomography, digitalradiography) and molecular-level (infrared microscopy) imaging, to assist researchers in the selection ofrelevant imaging technologies, to train new users, to assist in the development of new approaches, and tofacilitate access to other imaging modalities. The Core maintains the necessary equipment, supplies, andpersonnel to conduct infrared and micro-computed tomography imaging to support the biomedical researchbase. Access to other techniques (Raman spectroscopy, in vivo bioluminescence imaging, MRI and positronemission tomography) is provided through collaborations with other facilities. The particular imagingtechniques of the Core have been chosen because they allow determination of geometry and materialproperties of musculoskeletal structures. The functional performance of any musculoskeletal structure,whether native, repaired, or regenerated, depends on the geometry, architecture, and material properties.Such properties can be assessed with high spatial resolution by micro-computed tomographic and infraredmicroscopic imaging. Accordingly, these imaging techniques allow analyses of musculoskeletal structuresfrom low to high resolution at multiple hierarchical levels: whole bones and joints, bone segments and softtissue specimens, and tissue-level composition and microstructure. These imaging properties also interfacewith characterizations made in the Analytical Microscopy and the Mechanical and Material AssessmentCores.
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