Intra-articular injections and articular cartilage metabolism. An experimental study in rabbits.
We studied the effects of repeated intra-articular injections of sterile 140 mM NaCl solution on articular cartilage in adult rabbits. After 20 injections into the knee joints over a period of 4 weeks, chondrocyte glucosaminoglycan synthesis was evenly reduced in all cartilage layers, accompanied by a significant proteoglycan depletion of the matrix which was most marked in the superficial half of the cartilage. These and other changes only partially reversed during a further 4-week period after the injections had been stopped. Our data underline the need for a clear-cut indication for intra-articular injections. The microtrauma caused by injection, in conjunction with the introduction of a carrier solution into the joint, may, at least when repeated at short intervals, lead to measurable damage to the articular cartilage.
Neidel
J
J
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie, Universität zu Köln, FRG.
Schmidt
J
J
Hackenbroch
M H
MH
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013431:Sulfates / Q000378:metabolism; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D011509:Proteoglycans; D013431:Sulfates; D013462:Sulfur Radioisotopes; C020341:glucosaminoglycans; C012036:sodium sulfate; D012965:Sodium Chloride