Raman spectroscopy demonstrates prolonged alteration of bone chemical composition following extremity localized irradiation

In this mouse model, Raman spectroscopy reports both bone mineral and collagen cross-link radiation-induced abnormalities that are evident as early as one week after irradiation and persists for 26 weeks. The picture is one of extensive damage, after which there is an attempt at remodeling. We hypothesize that pathological cross-links formed by radiation damage to collagen are poorly resorbed during the altered remodeling process, so that new tissue is formed on a defective scaffold, resulting in increased bone brittleness.