Progression of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in rat meniscectomy models: Comprehensive monitoring using MRI

Abstract

Knee injury often triggers post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) that affects articular cartilage (AC), subchondral bone, meniscus and the synovial membrane. The available treatments for PTOA are largely ineffective due to late diagnosis past the “treatment window”. This study aimed to develop a detailed understanding of the time line of the progression of PTOA in murine models through longitudinal observation of the femorotibial joint from the onset of the disease to the advanced stage. Quantitative magnetic resonance microimaging (µMRI) and histology were used to evaluate PTOA-associated changes in the knee joints of rats subjected to knee meniscectomy. Systematic longitudinal changes in the articular cartilage thickness, cartilage T2 and the T2 of epiphysis within medial condyles of the tibia were all found to be associated with the development of PTOA in the animals. The following pathogenesis cascade was found to precede advanced PTOA: meniscal injury → AC swelling → subchondral bone remodelling → proteoglycan depletion → free water influx → cartilage erosion. Importantly, the imaging protocol used was entirely MRI-based. This protocol is potentially suitable for whole-knee longitudinal, non-invasive assessment of the development of OA. The results of this work will inform the improvement of the imaging methods for early diagnosis of PTOA.

Dietary Saturated Fatty Acids Modulate Pain Behaviour in Trauma-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

“…Surgical models in rats produce joint instability, altered joint mechanics and local inflammation; these models are reproducible with rapid onset and progression which may not fully mimic human OA [23]. Non-invasive monitoring with magnetic resonance imaging of the femorotibial joint in rats following partial medial meniscectomy showed progressive changes in cartilage related to trauma-induced OA [24]. More commonly, OA is induced in rats by injection of monosodium iodoacetate into the knee or ankle joint [25]; however, this intervention produces chondrocyte death rather than trauma-induced cartilage degeneration in OA.…”

“…This current study has combined partial medial meniscectomy of the right knee [24] together with chronic consumption of fructose with beef tallow for a total of 24 weeks [16] to produce rats with progressive trauma-induced OA and obesity. The results of this study indicate that chronic consumption of beef tallow or its replacement by palmitic or stearic acids led to increased pain, subchondral bone changes and metabolic syndrome parameters compared to replacement of beef tallow with lauric or myristic acids.…”

Dual contrast in computed tomography allows earlier characterization of articular cartilage over single contrast

“…As a consequence of instantaneous impact (eg, related to sports accident), articular cartilage can become injured, leading to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). 1 Erosion of articular cartilage, bone remodeling, and joint inflammation are the major characteristic features of osteoarthritis (OA). 2 Often, only in advanced stages of the disease patients experience symptoms, such as pain and limited mobility.…”

Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to biochemical changes related to various cartilage injuries

“…[ 2 ] Impact injury on the joint can lead to a degenerative joint condition known as post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), which in its advanced stage is characterized by erosion of cartilage matrix, joint pain, and restricted mobility. [ 3 ] Hence, it is critical to diagnose joint damage at an early stage where matrix degeneration may be halted or even reversed using pharmaceutical or surgical interventions. [ 3–5 ] Cartilage injury can be evaluated and repaired during arthroscopic surgery.…”