Diffusion Tensor Imaging of tendon and ligament: Influence of crimping behavior and microstructural variations.

To guide development and optimization of dMRI protocols, here we present a numerical simulation framework for analyzing how changes in collagen microstructure influence the measured diffusion tensor. We experimentally characterize a porcine digital flexor tendon using second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to identify characteristic geometric parameters and use these parameter ranges to perform a sensitivity analysis of what microstructural features most influence diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics. We conclude by exploring how geometric changes in collagen crimping due to tissue strain influence DTI metrics.