Detection of changes in bone quality of osteoporotic model induced by sciatic nerve resection by using Raman spectroscopy

To detect the bone quality loss in osteoporosis, we performed Raman spectroscopic analysis of sciatic nerve resection (NX) mice. Eight months after surgery, lower limbs were collected from the mice and fixed with 70% ethanol. Raman spectra of anterior cortical surface of the proximal tibia at 5 points in each bone were measured by RENISHAW inVia Raman Microscope. Excitation wave length was 785 nm. We also performed DXA and micro CT measurement to confirm the bone mineral density and bone microstructure in the osteoporotic model induced by sciatic nerve resection. In the result of Raman spectroscopy, we detected changes of Raman peak intensity ratio in carbonate/phosphate, mineral/combined proline and hydroxyproline and mineral/phenylalanine. In addition, in the result of micro CT, we found significant changes in VOX BV/TV, Trabecular number, thickness, cancellous bone mineral density, cortical thickness and cortical bone mineral density. The results suggest that not only the bone mineral density but also bone quality reduced in the NX mice. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy is a useful for bone quality assessment as a complementary technique for conventional diagnostics.