New preclinical imaging center expands orthopaedic surgery’s research power

The Musculoskeletal Research Center expanded its research capabilities with the launch of a new Preclinical Imaging Center. This facility boasts the only in vivo micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanner in the Sacramento region, providing state-of-the-art, high-resolution 3D imaging tools that are set to accelerate advancements in musculoskeletal health and regenerative medicine.

The addition of the in vivo microCT scanner represents a major advancement over traditional ex vivo scanners, which only image non-living samples. With this pioneering system, researchers can perform repeated, non-invasive imaging of living animal subjects, enabling them to monitor crucial biological processes such as bone remodeling, healing and disease progression with remarkable precision —while also minimizing radiation exposure and reducing computing requirements.

According to Kent Leach, professor and vice chair of research, “this powerful scanner for the department’s Ellison Musculoskeletal Research Center is essential to maintain access to cutting-edge equipment and advance our research into musculoskeletal health. Its proximity to other researchers on campus opens the door to explore new research questions in a collaborative manner.”

Exploring science through micron-level detail

The new microCT system offers micron-level resolution, allowing investigators to visualize and quantify fine structural features, including bone morphometry, density and porosity, in exquisite 3D detail — far surpassing traditional CT imaging. Beyond structural analysis, the system also enables functional imaging to track how cells, biomaterials and therapeutics behave within living tissues. These capabilities are critical for understanding treatment efficacy, drug delivery and the biological response to new therapies. Scientists across the department are leveraging this technology to advance a wide range of studies, including:

• Mechanisms of post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Bone adaptation to mechanical stimuli
• Bone repair quality with novel therapies and implants
• Cancer metastasis to bone
• Development of new imaging methods for musculoskeletal disorders

Professor Blaine Christiansen from the Christiansen Lab notes, “Micro-computed tomography is an indispensable tool for my lab’s research program. For any research group investigating bone biology, this technology is truly essential. This new system enables longitudinal imaging of live mice and rats throughout our experiments, allowing us to track bone changes in real time. This capability not only reduces the number of animals required for our studies but also strengthens our statistical power to detect meaningful differences between experimental groups and treatment outcomes.” 

By bringing unique, leading-edge imaging technology to the region, the new Preclinical Imaging Center positions UC Davis Orthopaedic Surgery as a hub for innovative musculoskeletal research.

About the Oak Park Research Center

The Oak Park Research Center is located in an 8,000-square-foot center, which houses a machine shop, materials testing laboratory, cell and molecular biology laboratory, histology laboratory, tissue culture facilities, microscopy laboratory, and microsurgery suite. Computing facilities are available for mathematical modeling of mechanical stresses in skeletal structures and implants. In addition, the laboratories use an outstanding animal research facility at the 160-acre Animal Resources Service facility on the Davis campus. The laboratory staff includes basic science faculty, administrative staff, technicians, and typically a dozen postgraduate researchers: fellows, residents, visiting scholars, medical students, and graduate students.