Interpreting and Avoiding Histologic Artifacts in Hard-Tissue Research

摘要

Histologic sections used to diagnose bone lesions or evaluate the safety of orthopaedic biomaterials often contain synthetic materials as well as bone and soft tissue. Processing and sectioning these "hard tissue" samples often results in artifacts that should not be misinterpreted as particles of debris or other aspects related to biocompatibility. Thermal artifacts caused by the biopsy procedure, and artifacts related to inadequate fixation or over-decalcification should not be misinterpreted as true osteonecrosis. Particles caused by cutting through metal implants or from the precipitation of stain or formalin should not be misinterpreted as particles of wear debris that occurred in vivo. Vacuoles from exogenous oil, bone cement, or silicone should not be misinterpreted as histologic artifacts. Although some artifacts can be "erased" from digital images with the use of image processing software, the appropriate use of such software is controversial.