Modulation of the intramedullary pressure responses by calcium dobesilate in a rabbit knee model of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background and purposeThe presence of bone marrow edema in patients with osteoarthritis is associated with pain and disease progression. Management of bone edema with the synthetic prostacyclin iloprost may be complicated by side effects. Calcium dobesilate, a treatment for chronic venous disease, shares some pharmacological actions with iloprost but appears to be better tolerated. Anecdotal reports have suggested that calcium dobesilate may be useful for medical management of osteoarthritis, possibly by reducing bone marrow edema, and this study was performed to investigate possible benefits of treatment.MethodsThe effects of a 6-week period of oral calcium dobesilate administration on tibial intramedullary pressure dynamics and physical joint characteristics were evaluated in 20 rabbits with unilaterally induced knee osteoarthritis that were randomly allocated to either a treatment group or a placebo control group. Treatment or placebo started 8 weeks after induction of osteoarthritis, and was followed by a 4-week washout period.ResultsCalcium dobesilate did not affect joint thickness or range of motion, nor individual pressure measurements, compared to placebo. Pressure ranges in the operated limb were greater than in the intact limb after 8 weeks, and approached those of the intact limb after 6 weeks of treatment with calcium dobesilate but not with placebo. Inter-limb differences were lower (p = 0.02) in the dobesilate group following the washout period.InterpretationCalcium dobesilate had a detectable effect on pressure dynamics in the subchondral bone of osteoarthritic joints in this model. The significance of these effects for pain and function should be established.

Effect of External Rotational Humeral Osteotomy on the Contact Mechanics of the Canine Elbow Joint

“…The decision to measure subchondral forces was based on the unique contour of the canine elbow joint and the disturbance that was caused by our sensors when placed intraarticularly. Subchondral bone pressure has been described in many studies of OA in animals and people . However, most often the pressure was measured with a cannula, located in the subchondral space, attached to a manometer.…”

“…Subchondral bone pressure has been described in many studies of OA in animals and people. [35][36][37][38] However, most often the pressure was measured with a cannula, located in the subchondral space, attached to a manometer. Data acquired by this method is only valid for a single point and depends on multiple other factors besides axial compression.…”

Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of a Mixture of Dried Pomegranate Concentrate Powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) in a Surgically Induced Osteoarthritic Rabbit Model

“…Thus. rabbit models, including anterior cruciate ligament transection and partial meniscectomy models [48,49], have been used to assess the anti-osteoarthritic potential of various drugs [50,51]. To successfully examine the potential effects of drugs against OA, selection of an appropriate animal model is important.…”

Effects of Calcium dobesilate on horses with an increased signal intensity in the navicular bone in fat suppressed images on MRI: Pilot study

“…It has been hypothesised that impaired venous drainage causes venous hypertension in the bone marrow resulting in intraosseous hypertension and bone oedema (Svalastoga and Smith 1983, Pleasant et al 1993, Hertsch and Maaß 2009. Anecdotal reports have suggested that the accumulation of osmotically active proteins in the subchondral tissue leads to a compartment syndrome within the subchondral bone which is characterised by increased tissue pressure, acidosis, pain and a vicious cycle of progressive pathological changes (Miles et al 2011). Surgical procedures have been explored to decompress the medullary cavity of the NB in sound horses (Jenner 2007, Jenner andKirker-Head 2011).…”

“…In this model CD had a detectable effect on pressure dynamics in the subchondral bone of osteoarthritic joints (Miles et al 2011). …”