Cartilage-based quantitative model evaluation method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of bone tissue characteristic detection, in particular to a cartilage matrix quantitative model evaluation method, detecting water content data of a joint part to determine morphological change characteristics of chondrocytes, thereby predicting chondrocyte apoptosis trend; according to the chondrocyte apoptosis trend, constructing an extracellular matrix change model of the joint part to demarcate several sub-regions of the joint part; detecting the several sub-regions by ultrasonic waves to obtain derived wave data of the several sub-regions, thereby determining extracellular matrix morphological characteristics in each sub-region; and according to the extracellular matrix morphological characteristics, determining the loss amount of extracellular matrix in the sub-region. The present application can combine magnetic resonance detection and ultrasonic detection means to obtain chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix change, accurately determine the loss amount of extracellular matrix, and realize identification and demarcation of mechanical properties of the joint part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bone tissue property testing, and more particularly to a method for evaluating a quantitative model of cartilage matrix. Background Technology

[0002] Joints, as important skeletal structures in the human body, assist in performing complex movements. The surface of the synovial membrane of a joint is covered with cartilage tissue, which plays a role in transmitting loads, absorbing stress, and lubricating to reduce friction. Cartilage tissue mainly consists of chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix has a complex network structure, formed by the interconnection of macromolecules secreted by chondrocytes during their own metabolism and macromolecules in the extracellular matrix, thus forming an intricate network structure. The extracellular matrix is ​​mainly composed of different substances such as proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and collagen fibers, giving it biomechanical properties. Under normal physiological conditions, the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix remain stable over a long period of time, providing good compressive strength and a smooth, frictionless connection with the joint.

[0003] In practice, with the occurrence of diseases such as arthritis, chondrocytes undergo apoptosis and are unable to maintain their normal secretory metabolism, resulting in the inability to replenish the extracellular matrix in a timely manner. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix itself is also decomposed by proteolytic enzymes, leading to a decrease in its content and affecting the structural integrity and normal activity of cartilage tissue. Understandably, the content of extracellular matrix within cartilage tissue, especially the amount lost, directly reflects the physiological state of the joint. Current technology only utilizes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect joint effusion, but it cannot accurately obtain changes in extracellular matrix content. Therefore, accurately detecting changes in the extracellular matrix content of cartilage tissue is of great significance for assessing the mechanical properties of joints. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Considering the complex and diverse composition of the extracellular matrix in cartilage tissue, including different forms of water such as free water and internally contained water, magnetic resonance imaging alone cannot accurately identify changes in extracellular matrix content, nor can it obtain the dynamic loss and distribution of the extracellular matrix, reducing the reliability and dependability of identifying the mechanical properties of joints. This invention provides a quantitative model evaluation method for cartilage matrix, the method comprising the following steps:

[0005] S100: Magnetic resonance imaging detects water content data in the joint area; based on the water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined, thereby predicting the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area;

[0006] S200: Based on the chondrocyte apoptosis trend, construct an extracellular matrix change model of the joint site; based on the extracellular matrix change model, label several sub-regions of the joint site;

[0007] S300: Ultrasonic detection of the several sub-regions to obtain derived wave data for each of the several sub-regions; based on the derived wave data, determining the extracellular matrix morphological characteristics within each sub-region;

[0008] S400: Determine the amount of extracellular matrix loss in the sub-region based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix.

[0009] Preferably, in S100, the water content data of the joint area is detected by magnetic resonance imaging, specifically as follows:

[0010] Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the free water content distribution and internal water content distribution of the entire joint area at several time points.

[0011] Based on the time progression direction of the aforementioned time points, the distribution of free water content and the distribution of internal water content are compared to determine the quantity distribution data of internal water converted into free water across the entire joint region.

[0012] Preferably, in S100, magnetic resonance imaging is performed on the joint area to obtain the free water content distribution and internal water content distribution of the entire joint area at several time points, specifically:

[0013] Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the T2 relaxation time and T2* relaxation time of the entire joint area at each time point.

[0014] Based on the distribution difference of the T2 relaxation time across the entire joint region, the free water content distribution at the joint region at the specified time point is determined.

[0015] Based on the distribution difference of the T2* relaxation time across the entire joint region, the distribution of internal water content at the joint region at the specified time point is determined.

[0016] Preferably, in S100, based on the water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined to predict the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area, specifically as follows:

[0017] Based on the distribution data of the amount of water converted from internal water to free water throughout the joint region, the spatial characteristics of the osmotic pressure of the environment in which the chondrocytes in the joint region are located are determined.

[0018] Based on the spatial characteristics of the environmental osmotic pressure, the volume expansion change characteristics of the chondrocytes are determined; wherein the volume expansion change characteristics include the volume expansion rate of the chondrocytes per unit time.

[0019] Based on the volume expansion change characteristics, the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint site is predicted; wherein the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes refers to the future apoptosis rate trend of each partition within the joint site.

[0020] Preferably, in S200, based on the chondrocyte apoptosis trend, a model of extracellular matrix changes in the joint region is constructed, specifically as follows:

[0021] Based on the apoptosis trends of chondrocytes in each region of the joint and the biological tissue distribution characteristics of the joint, an extracellular matrix change model of the joint is constructed; wherein the biological tissue distribution characteristics refer to the spatial distribution of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix in the joint in the initial state; the extracellular matrix change model is used to characterize the changes in extracellular matrix composition in each region of the joint.

[0022] Preferably, in S200, several sub-regions of the joint site are labeled according to the extracellular matrix change model, specifically as follows:

[0023] Based on the extracellular matrix change model, the matrix synthesis and degradation characteristics of each partition within the joint site are estimated.

[0024] Based on the matrix synthesis and degradation characteristics, partitions in a state of matrix activity degradation are determined, thereby identifying several sub-regions of the joint.

[0025] Preferably, in S300, ultrasonic waves are used to detect the plurality of sub-regions to obtain derived wave data for each of the plurality of sub-regions, specifically as follows:

[0026] Ultrasonic detection is performed on the aforementioned sub-regions to obtain the derived vibration wave data generated by each of the sub-regions under ultrasonic irradiation; wherein the derived vibration wave data includes the frequency and intensity data of the vibration waves radiated outward by the vibration of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix within the sub-regions.

[0027] Preferably, in S300, based on the derived wave data, the extracellular matrix morphological characteristics within each sub-region are determined, specifically as follows:

[0028] Frequency and intensity data corresponding to the derived vibration wave components formed by the extracellular matrix in the sub-region are extracted from the derived wave data. Time evolution analysis is performed on the extracted frequency and intensity data to determine the component change characteristics of the extracellular matrix in each sub-region. The component change characteristics refer to the changes in the content proportion of all substances originally contained in the extracellular matrix.

[0029] Preferably, in S400, the amount of extracellular matrix loss in the sub-region is determined based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix, specifically as follows:

[0030] The amount of extracellular matrix lost in the sub-region is determined based on the changes in the proportion of all original components contained in the extracellular matrix corresponding to the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix and the reference of the composition of the extracellular matrix.

[0031] Preferably, in S400, it further includes:

[0032] The wear state of the joint during movement is determined based on the amount of extracellular matrix loss and the total original extracellular matrix content at the joint site.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0034] The present invention provides a quantitative model evaluation method for cartilage matrix. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect water content data in joint areas, thereby determining the morphological changes of chondrocytes and predicting chondrocyte apoptosis trends. Based on these trends, an extracellular matrix change model of the joint area is constructed to define several sub-regions. Ultrasound is then used to detect these sub-regions, obtaining derived wave data for each region to determine the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix within each sub-region. Based on these morphological characteristics, the amount of extracellular matrix loss in each sub-region is determined. By combining MRI and ultrasound detection, the apoptosis status of chondrocytes and changes in the extracellular matrix are obtained, accurately determining the amount of extracellular matrix loss and enabling the identification and calibration of the mechanical properties of the joint area. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the cartilage matrix quantitative model evaluation method provided by the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 It is the distribution structure of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix within cartilage tissue.

[0038] Figure 3 It is the distribution of free water and internal water detected by magnetic resonance.

[0039] Figure 4 This indicates a trend of chondrocyte apoptosis. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and not for limiting the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0042] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for evaluating a quantitative model of cartilage matrix, the method comprising the following steps:

[0044] S100: Magnetic resonance imaging detects water content data in joint areas; based on water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined, thereby predicting the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in joint areas.

[0045] Furthermore, in S100, the water content data of the joint area is detected by magnetic resonance imaging, specifically as follows:

[0046] Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the distribution of free water content and internal water content at several time points throughout the joint area.

[0047] Based on the time progression at several points in time, the distribution of free water content and the distribution of internal water content are compared to determine the quantity distribution data of internal water converted into free water across the entire joint area.

[0048] Please see Figure 2Cartilage tissue comprises chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix includes proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and collagen fibers, which together form a network structure. Chondrocytes, as active tissue, are distributed within this network. During metabolism, chondrocytes secrete macromolecules corresponding to the extracellular matrix, enabling its renewal and replenishment, thus compensating for the loss caused by the breakdown of the extracellular matrix under the action of proteolytic enzymes. Furthermore, cartilage tissue contains two different forms of water: free water and bound water. Free water can flow freely within the cartilage tissue, such as within the interstitial spaces of the collagen fiber network in the extracellular matrix. Bound water, bound to proteoglycans or collagen, cannot flow freely. When the joint is in a normal, healthy state, the levels of free water and bound water within the cartilage tissue are relatively stable, and chondrocytes maintain normal metabolic activity, continuously and stably secreting substances necessary for the formation of the extracellular matrix. When arthritis has already occurred or is about to occur in a joint, chondrocytes undergo non-programmed apoptosis (i.e., abnormal chondrocyte death). At this time, the metabolic activity of chondrocytes is significantly reduced, and they are unable to secrete macromolecules normally and stably, resulting in the inability to replenish the extracellular matrix lost through decomposition in a timely and effective manner. Understandably, when the extracellular matrix is ​​broken down by proteolytic enzymes, the water bound to proteoglycans or collagen is released as free water; if chondrocytes normally secrete macromolecules, the free water will rebind with proteoglycans or collagen to become bound water again. However, non-programmed apoptosis of chondrocytes disrupts this balance between free water and bound water, leading to the release of a large amount of bound water and an increase in free water content. Therefore, by detecting the conversion relationship between free water and bound water in cartilage tissue, the apoptotic state of chondrocytes can be accurately predicted, determining whether chondrocytes are undergoing programmed or non-programmed apoptosis.

[0049] In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T2 mapping imaging reflects changes in the migration rate of water protons over tissues via relaxation time. Compared to T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time is more sensitive to changes in free water mobility, and therefore is often used to identify changes in free water content. On the other hand, T2* mapping imaging reflects the intrinsic properties of tissues via T2* relaxation time. It can provide information on the content of substances such as water, protein, and collagen within the tissue, and can also describe the arrangement of collagen fibers. Therefore, T2* relaxation time is often used to identify changes in internal water content.

[0050] Chondrocyte apoptosis (programmed or non-programmed) is a time-consuming process. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the joint at a single time point cannot accurately reflect whether the balance between free and internal water has been disrupted. Therefore, MRI scans of the joint at several time points are needed to obtain the distribution of free and internal water content across the entire joint area. This allows for the determination of free and internal water content at each location (or range) within the entire joint area. These time points are sequentially distributed at equal time intervals. By comparing the free and internal water content distributions at the same location (or range) based on the temporal progression of these time points, the changing trends of free and internal water content at each location (or range) over time can be obtained. This helps determine the distribution of the amount of internal water converted to free water across the entire joint area, providing a basis for subsequent identification of chondrocyte apoptosis.

[0051] Furthermore, in S100, magnetic resonance imaging is performed on the joint area to obtain the distribution of free water content and internal water content at several time points throughout the joint area, specifically:

[0052] Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the T2 relaxation time and T2* relaxation time of the entire joint area at each time point;

[0053] Based on the differences in the distribution of T2 relaxation time across the entire joint region, the distribution of free water content at the joint region at different time points was determined.

[0054] Based on the differences in the distribution of T2* relaxation time across the entire joint region, the distribution of internal water content at the joint region at different time points was determined.

[0055] By utilizing the sensitivity and accuracy of T2 relaxation time and T2* relaxation time in identifying free water content and internal water content, respectively, during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of joint sites, the T2 relaxation time and T2* relaxation time corresponding to several time points across the entire joint region are obtained. It can be understood that the MRI process generates T2 relaxation time series and T2* relaxation time series. Based on the T2 relaxation time series of each location point (or range) across the entire joint region, the distribution of free water content at the corresponding time points across the entire joint region is determined. Similarly, based on the T2* relaxation time series of each location point (or range) across the entire joint region, the distribution of internal water content at the corresponding time points across the entire joint region is determined. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3The values ​​reflect the free water content and internal water content of regions A, B, and C within the entire joint area at the same time point. By comparing the changes in free water content and internal water content over time at each location (or range), data on the distribution of the conversion of internal water to free water across the entire joint area can be obtained, which helps to accurately determine the apoptosis status of chondrocytes.

[0056] Furthermore, in S100, based on water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined, thereby predicting the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area, specifically:

[0057] Based on the distribution data of the amount of water converted from internal water to free water throughout the joint area, the spatial characteristics of the osmotic pressure of the environment in which chondrocytes are located in the joint area were determined.

[0058] Based on the spatial characteristics of environmental osmotic pressure, the volume expansion characteristics of chondrocytes were determined; among which, the volume expansion characteristics include the volume expansion rate of chondrocytes per unit time.

[0059] Based on the characteristics of volume expansion changes, the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint is predicted; where the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes refers to the future apoptosis rate trend of each partition within the joint.

[0060] When the water contained within a joint is converted into free water, the free water content in the joint increases, altering the osmotic pressure of the environment surrounding chondrocytes. When this osmotic pressure exceeds the osmotic pressure limit that chondrocytes can withstand, they swell, rupture, and undergo apoptosis. It is understandable that chondrocyte apoptosis and changes in the osmotic pressure of their environment are mutually influential. When chondrocytes undergo apoptosis, they cannot continuously secrete macromolecules to replenish the extracellular matrix. At this time, the free water converted from the water contained within the extracellular matrix cannot be converted back into water contained within the matrix, leading to an increase in free water content. As the free water content continues to increase, the osmotic pressure of the chondrocyte environment gradually exceeds the osmotic pressure limit that the chondrocytes can withstand, further exacerbating the degree of apoptosis. As the osmotic pressure of the chondrocyte environment decreases due to the increased free water content, the chondrocytes expand in volume. When the osmotic pressure falls below a predetermined osmotic pressure limit, the chondrocytes rupture, directly leading to apoptosis.

[0061] Based on the relationship between the osmotic pressure and free water content of the chondrocyte environment, and the relationship between chondrocyte swelling, rupture, and apoptosis and changes in the osmotic pressure of their environment, this study first determines the spatial variation characteristics of the osmotic pressure in the chondrocyte environment within the joint region based on the distribution data of the amount of internal water converted to free water throughout the joint area. This allows for the prediction of chondrocyte physiological structure and the determination of chondrocyte volume expansion rate per unit time. Then, combined with the chondrocyte's own tolerance limit for volume expansion, the study predicts the number of chondrocytes that will rupture and apoptosis. This yields the future apoptosis rate trend for each region within the joint region, providing a basis for subsequent identification of extracellular matrix composition changes in each region. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The values ​​represent the changes in the number of apoptotic chondrocytes in partitions A, B, and C over a period of several weeks.

[0062] S200: Based on the trend of chondrocyte apoptosis, construct a model of extracellular matrix changes in the joint area; based on the extracellular matrix change model, label several sub-regions in the joint area.

[0063] Furthermore, in S200, based on the trend of chondrocyte apoptosis, a model of extracellular matrix changes in the joint area was constructed, specifically as follows:

[0064] Based on the apoptosis trends of chondrocytes in each region of the joint and the biological tissue distribution characteristics of the joint, an extracellular matrix change model of the joint is constructed. The biological tissue distribution characteristics refer to the spatial distribution of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix in the joint in the initial state. The extracellular matrix change model is used to characterize the changes in extracellular matrix composition in each region of the joint.

[0065] The extracellular matrix (ECM) is formed from macromolecules secreted by chondrocytes through their metabolic activities. When chondrocytes undergo apoptosis, they can no longer secrete macromolecules, thus failing to replenish the ECM lost due to degradation. Simultaneously, the ECM's original proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and collagen fibers are broken down by protease hydrolysis, failing to maintain its original composition and leading to changes in ECM composition. To effectively and comprehensively characterize the changes in ECM composition in joint sites under chondrocyte apoptosis, we first obtain the spatial distribution (e.g., spatial density distribution) of chondrocytes and ECM in the initial state (e.g., before disease development). Then, based on the chondrocyte apoptosis trends in each region of the joint and the aforementioned biological tissue distribution characteristics, we construct an ECM change model for the joint site. This model characterizes the changes in ECM composition in each region of the joint site, providing a basis for subsequently determining whether the balance between ECM synthesis (i.e., chondrocyte secretion of macromolecules) and degradation (i.e., protease hydrolysis) has been disrupted in each region. The aforementioned ECM change model can be constructed using reaction kinetics, which will not be detailed here.

[0066] Furthermore, in S200, based on the extracellular matrix change model, several sub-regions of the joint area are labeled, specifically:

[0067] Based on the extracellular matrix change model, the matrix synthesis and degradation characteristics of each region within the joint site were estimated.

[0068] Based on the characteristics of matrix synthesis and degradation, the regions in a state of matrix activity deterioration are identified, thereby marking several sub-regions of the joint area.

[0069] Understandably, the extracellular matrix (ECM) change model is based on the apoptosis trends of chondrocytes in each region of the joint and the spatial distribution of chondrocytes and ECM in the joint. This model reflects the secretion of ECM by chondrocytes and the hydrolysis of existing ECM. Specifically, based on the ECM change model, the rate of ECM secretion and production of ECM substances in each region of the joint is estimated, along with the rate of decomposition of existing ECM due to hydrolysis. By comparing these rates, it is determined whether each region has disrupted the balance between ECM synthesis and degradation (i.e., the synthesized ECM cannot compensate for the degradation of existing ECM). If so, the region is identified as being in a state of deteriorated ECM activity; otherwise, it is identified as not being in a state of deteriorated ECM activity. This identifies the sub-regions where ECM activity is deteriorated, providing a basis for subsequent quantitative analysis of ECM content.

[0070] S300: Ultrasonic detection of several sub-regions yields derivative wave data for each sub-region; based on the derivative wave data, the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix within each sub-region are determined.

[0071] Furthermore, in S300, ultrasonic waves are used to detect several sub-regions, obtaining derived wave data for each sub-region, specifically as follows:

[0072] Several sub-regions were subjected to ultrasonic testing to obtain the derived vibration wave data generated by each sub-region under ultrasonic irradiation; the derived vibration wave data included the frequency and intensity data of the vibration waves radiated outward by the vibration of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix within the sub-regions.

[0073] The extracellular matrix (ECM) is mainly composed of proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and collagen fibers, and also contains a certain amount of internal water. When the ECM undergoes hydrolysis, these macromolecules are broken down into smaller molecules. The original network structure of the ECM disappears, and the internal water becomes free water, allowing the smaller molecules to flow with the free water. During ultrasound examination of joints, when ultrasound waves irradiate chondrocytes and the ECM, they vibrate under the sound pressure. The amplitude and frequency of these vibrations differ between chondrocytes and the ECM. Understandably, during ultrasound examination, chondrocytes and the ECM generate derivative vibration waves under the influence of ultrasound waves. These derivative vibration waves radiate outwards and exhibit different frequencies and intensities than the ultrasound waves. Therefore, it is understandable that the derivative vibration waves generated during ultrasound examination are directly related to chondrocytes and the ECM. To this end, ultrasound detection was performed on several sub-regions to obtain the frequency and intensity data of vibration waves radiated outward by chondrocytes and extracellular matrix in each sub-region under ultrasound irradiation. This provides a basis for subsequent determination of changes in extracellular matrix content.

[0074] Furthermore, in S300, based on the derived wave data, the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix within each sub-region are determined, specifically:

[0075] Frequency and intensity data corresponding to the derived vibration wave components formed by the extracellular matrix in the sub-region were extracted from the derived wave data. Time evolution analysis was performed on the extracted frequency and intensity data to determine the component change characteristics of the extracellular matrix in each sub-region. The component change characteristics refer to the changes in the content proportion of all substances originally contained in the extracellular matrix.

[0076] During ultrasound detection, the extracellular matrix within a sub-region vibrates under ultrasound excitation, forming derived vibrational waves. The frequency and intensity of these derived vibrational waves are related to the composition of the extracellular matrix itself. It is understood that the higher the content of substances such as proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix, the higher the frequency and intensity of the corresponding derived vibrational waves. As the extracellular matrix undergoes continuous hydrolysis and decomposition, the frequency and intensity of the corresponding derived vibrational waves gradually decrease. Therefore, the frequency and intensity data corresponding to the derived vibrational wave components formed by the extracellular matrix within the sub-region are extracted from the derived wave data, and time evolution analysis is performed to determine the change in the content proportion of all original components in the extracellular matrix over time, accurately identifying the changes in the content of the extracellular matrix.

[0077] S400: Determine the amount of extracellular matrix loss in a subregion based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix.

[0078] Furthermore, in S400, the amount of extracellular matrix loss in a sub-region is determined based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix, specifically as follows:

[0079] The amount of extracellular matrix lost in a subregion is determined by the changes in the proportion of all original components contained in the extracellular matrix corresponding to the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix and by the reference of the composition of the extracellular matrix.

[0080] The aforementioned morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix reflect the changes in the proportion of all original components within the extracellular matrix over a corresponding period of time. Considering that the formation of the extracellular matrix within a joint is a complex physiological and dynamic process, it is difficult to accurately determine the true composition and content of each component in the extracellular matrix during actual operation. Therefore, a baseline reference for the composition of the extracellular matrix can be determined through empirical calculations (i.e., the content value of each component in the extracellular matrix under normal and healthy conditions at the joint). Combined with the aforementioned morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix, the amount of extracellular matrix loss in a sub-region can be determined, thereby accurately calibrating the net decomposition and loss of extracellular matrix in the corresponding sub-region within the cartilage tissue.

[0081] Furthermore, the S400 also includes:

[0082] The wear and tear status of the joint during movement is determined based on the amount of extracellular matrix loss and the total original extracellular matrix content at the joint site.

[0083] The extracellular matrix of cartilage tissue enables a smooth, frictionless connection with joints. However, as the extracellular matrix is ​​lost, the cartilage layer covering the joint surface thins, reducing its compressive strength and increasing friction between joints, making them prone to wear during movement. To predict joint wear caused by extracellular matrix loss, the percentage of extracellular matrix loss is determined based on the amount lost and the original total extracellular matrix content at the joint. If the percentage exceeds a preset threshold, wear is determined; otherwise, no wear has occurred, which helps to assess the mechanical properties of the joint.

[0084] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of a necessary general-purpose hardware platform, or by a combination of hardware and software. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer product. The present invention can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0085] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Other embodiments may also be used. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quantitative model evaluation method for cartilage matrix, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S100: Magnetic resonance imaging detects water content data in the joint area; based on the water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined, thereby predicting the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area; S200: Based on the chondrocyte apoptosis trend, construct an extracellular matrix change model of the joint site; based on the extracellular matrix change model, label several sub-regions of the joint site; S300: Ultrasonic detection of the several sub-regions to obtain derived wave data for each of the several sub-regions; based on the derived wave data, determining the extracellular matrix morphological characteristics within each sub-region; S400: Determine the amount of extracellular matrix loss in the sub-region based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S100, the water content data of the joint area was detected by magnetic resonance imaging, specifically as follows: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the free water content distribution and internal water content distribution of the entire joint area at several time points. Based on the time progression direction of the aforementioned time points, the distribution of free water content and the distribution of internal water content are compared to determine the quantity distribution data of internal water converted into free water across the entire joint region.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, In S100, magnetic resonance imaging is performed on the joint area to obtain the free water content distribution and internal water content distribution of the entire joint area at several time points, specifically: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the joint area to obtain the T2 relaxation time and T2* relaxation time of the entire joint area at each time point. Based on the distribution difference of the T2 relaxation time across the entire joint region, the free water content distribution at the joint region at the specified time point is determined. Based on the distribution difference of the T2* relaxation time across the entire joint region, the distribution of internal water content at the joint region at the specified time point is determined.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In S100, based on the water content data, the morphological changes of chondrocytes are determined, thereby predicting the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area, specifically as follows: Based on the distribution data of the amount of water converted from internal water to free water throughout the joint region, the spatial characteristics of the osmotic pressure of the environment in which the chondrocytes in the joint region are located are determined. Based on the spatial characteristics of the environmental osmotic pressure, the volume expansion and change characteristics of the chondrocytes were determined; The volume expansion change feature mentioned above includes the volume expansion rate of chondrocytes per unit time; Based on the volume expansion change characteristics, predict the apoptosis trend of chondrocytes in the joint area; The chondrocyte apoptosis trend refers to the future chondrocyte apoptosis rate trend of each region within the joint site.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S200, based on the described chondrocyte apoptosis trend, a model of extracellular matrix changes at the joint site is constructed, specifically as follows: Based on the apoptosis trends of chondrocytes in each region of the joint and the biological tissue distribution characteristics of the joint, an extracellular matrix change model of the joint is constructed; wherein the biological tissue distribution characteristics refer to the spatial distribution of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix in the joint in the initial state; the extracellular matrix change model is used to characterize the changes in extracellular matrix composition in each region of the joint.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In S200, based on the extracellular matrix change model, several sub-regions of the joint site are labeled, specifically: Based on the extracellular matrix change model, the matrix synthesis and degradation characteristics of each partition within the joint site are estimated. Based on the matrix synthesis and degradation characteristics, partitions in a state of matrix activity degradation are determined, thereby identifying several sub-regions of the joint.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S300, ultrasonic waves are used to detect the several sub-regions to obtain derived wave data for each of the several sub-regions, specifically as follows: Ultrasonic detection is performed on the aforementioned sub-regions to obtain the derived vibration wave data generated by each of the sub-regions under ultrasonic irradiation; wherein the derived vibration wave data includes the frequency and intensity data of the vibration waves radiated outward by the vibration of chondrocytes and extracellular matrix within the sub-regions.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In S300, based on the derived wave data, the extracellular matrix morphological characteristics within each sub-region are determined, specifically as follows: Frequency and intensity data corresponding to the derived vibration wave components formed by the extracellular matrix in the sub-region are extracted from the derived wave data. Time evolution analysis is performed on the extracted frequency and intensity data to determine the component change characteristics of the extracellular matrix in each sub-region. The component change characteristics refer to the changes in the content ratio of all substances originally contained in the extracellular matrix.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In S400, the amount of extracellular matrix loss in the sub-region is determined based on the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix, specifically as follows: The amount of extracellular matrix lost in the sub-region is determined based on the changes in the content ratio of all original components contained in the extracellular matrix corresponding to the morphological characteristics of the extracellular matrix and the reference of the composition of the extracellular matrix.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The S400 also includes: The wear state of the joint during movement is determined based on the amount of extracellular matrix loss and the total original extracellular matrix content at the joint site.

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