Joint distraction and movement for repair of articular cartilage in a rabbit model with subsequent weight-bearing

Abstract

We have previously shown that joint distraction and movement with a hinged external fixation device for 12 weeks was useful for repairing a large articular cartilage defect in a rabbit model. We have now investigated the results after six months and one year. The device was applied to 16 rabbits who underwent resection of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone from the entire tibial plateau. In group A (nine rabbits) the device was applied for six months. In group B (seven rabbits) it was in place for six months, after which it was removed and the animals were allowed to move freely for an additional six months. The cartilage remained sound in all rabbits. The areas of type II collagen-positive staining and repaired soft tissue were larger in group B than in group A. These findings provide evidence of long-term persistence of repaired cartilage with this technique and that weight-bearing has a positive effect on the quality of the cartilage.

Spectrum of F8 gene mutations in haemophilia A patients from Slovenia

“…The 54 different disease-causing mutations were identified in 95 families with HA of which 21 have never been reported in the international databases (Table 1). In our cohort intron 22 inversion accounts for 48.8% of severe cases, which is at the upper limit according to Lakich et al [2], but is concordant with the Austrian population where it accounts for 47% [5] and with patients from Italy where it accounts for 46% [6]. Intron 1 inversion was not detected in Slovene cohort with HA.…”

Entrapped periosteum preventing reduction of a Salter-Harris II distal tibial fracture in an adolescent patient. MRI and intra-operative findings

“…We previously reported a particular case with a satisfactory result after transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy as a joint-preserving operation for osteonecrosis after SCFE. Nishino et al 13 described long-term persistence of repaired articular cartilage after joint distraction and joint movement in a rabbit model. Therefore, a joint-preserving operation such as transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy or varus osteotomy would be expected to slow the progression of secondary osteoarthritis subsequent to osteonecrosis after SCFE, with the expectation of a more favorable prognosis.…”

Effect of distraction arthroplasty on osteoarthritic goat models of the articular cartilage

“…Some studies showed that small and medium animals were frequently used, yet there has never been a study on distraction using the goat model. [12][13][14] The choice of medium sized animals, goat stifles, in this study was based on their biomechanical similarities with the human knee. 18,25 The stifle joint of this genus is said to be congruent to one third of the human knee.…”

“…7,10 Several animal studies using external fixation show the same results. 12,13 The latest report of an open one year pilot study from the pioneers of knee distraction arthroplasty also yields beneficial result. 15 Several literatures, however, doubts the biological basis for this treatment, due to the long known fact that joint immobilization damages the articular cartilage.…”

“…Several animal studies show different results. [11][12][13][14] It has only been performed on a pilot study on humans. 15 Some authors also doubt the efficacy of this method.…”