An Experimental Study on the Effects of Intraarticular Microparticles on Degenerative Change of Articular Cartilage of Rabbit Knee Joints.
- Author:
Young Min KIM
;
Se Il SUK
;
Jin Hyok KIM
;
Won Joong KIM
;
Jin Won KIM
;
Sang Min LEE
;
Wha Ann JONG
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
cartilage degeneration;
microparticles
- MeSH:
Cartilage;
Cartilage, Articular*;
Femur;
Joints;
Knee Joint*;
Knee*;
Longevity;
Molecular Weight;
Patella;
Polyethylene;
Titanium
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
1997;32(5):1364-1373
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Microparticle induced inflammatory reaction has been extensively studied as a potential cause of implant loosening. However, there has been little in vivo study on the effect of the particles on the preserved cartilage in partial joint replacements. The purpose of this study was to determine in vivo effects of microparticles on the articular cartilage. Ninety rabbit knee joints were challenged repeatedly with 1-3 micron commercial pure titanium (Ti) and 1-45 micron ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (PE). After 12 weeks, patella and distal femur were harvested for determination of degenerative change by light and scanning electron microscope. The results are as follows: 1, In the joints without exposure of the subchondral bone, neither Ti nor PE elicited significant change. However, simultaneous introduction of both particles resulted in significant degeneration of the articular cartilage. 2. With the subchondral bones exposed, Ti and PE both induced significant cartilage degeneration. In this condition the PE particles were more detrimental than the Ti particles in causing degeneration of the articular cartilage. Although there exists a species difference, these results imply that the longevity of partial joint replacements may be shortened not only by mechanical problems, but also by the microparticles causing secondary degenerative change.
