OBJECTIVETo explore Poloxamer 188, a non-ionic surfactant as a potential tool for early intervention into the chondrocyte damaged by blunt mechanical trauma in vitro.

METHODSThree groups were control group (n = 6), no treatment group (n = 12) and Poloxamer 188 treatment group (n = 12). Two groups are then loaded to 20 MPa in unconfined compression. At 1 and 24 h the percentages of live and dead cells of superficial zone in compressed and control groups were determined with a cell viability stain.

RESULTSAt 1 h post-trauma, specimens of Poloxamer 188 treatment group (76%) had a significantly increased percentage of live cells in the superficial zone versus the no treatment group (55%). In 24 h the percentages of live cells in the superficial zone of the Poloxamer 188 treatment group (57%) were significantly greater than in the no treatment group (38%).

CONCLUSIONSPoloxamer 188 surfactant could help restore the integrity of cell membranes in cartilage damaged by blunt mechanical trauma. Models of mechanical cartilage injury in vitro may explain aspect of the interactions between mechanical forces and degradative pathways which lead to osteoarthritis progression.