The interface region between articular cartilage and bone by μMRI and PLM at microscopic resolutions

This dual-modality microscopic imaging study quantifies the interface region between the noncalcified cartilage and the subchondral bone plate, which includes the deep portion of the noncalcified articular cartilage and the zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC). This interface region is typically not visible in routine MRI but becomes visible in MRI with the application of an ultra-short echo time (UTE) sequence. A number of cartilage-bone blocks from a well-documented canine humeral head were harvested for imaging by microscopic MRI (μMRI) and PLM (polarized light microscopy). In μMRI, T2 anisotropic images were acquired by 2D gradient-echo, magnetization-prepared spin-echo and UTE sequences at the 0° and 55° (the magic angle) orientations at 11.7 μm/pixel resolution. In PLM, quantitative optical retardation (nm) and collagen orientation (°) were mapped from the thin sections from the same μMRI specimens at 0.5–2 μm pixel resolutions. The orientational and organizational architecture of the collagen matrix in this interface region was quantified and correlated between the complementary imaging. The magic angle effect as seen in the noncalcified cartilage was statistically confirmed in ZCC in μMRI, which was further supported by quantitative PLM. With an enhanced understanding of the tissue properties in this important interface region, it will potentially be possible to monitor the changes of this tissue region which is instrumental to the initiation and development of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases.     

A rational human joint friction test using a human cartilage-on-cartilage arrangement

Efficient lubrication is essential for synovial joint mobility in both health and disease. It is well known that extremely low friction is required for proper functioning of synovial joints. In several medical treatments, bio-lubricants are injected into human joints to maintain their proper functioning. In the course of developing and screening such bio-lubricants, it is important to measure their effect under conditions similar to the ones in vivo. To this end, a first attempt was made to test the friction of two slices of human articular cartilage sliding over each other under various working conditions in the presence of different lubricating fluids. The results can be used for future research in the field of joint lubrication.     

Biotribology: Friction,wear, and lubrication of natural synovial joints

Studies have been carried out over the past several years to explore possible interconnections between tribology — the study of friction, wear, and lubrication — and arthrology, more specifically, mechanisms of synovial joint lubrication and degeneration. The focus of this paper is on the tribological behaviour of natural and so-called ‘normal’ synovial joints. A separate paper deals with possible connections between tribology and degenerative joint disease (e.g., osteoarthritis). The purpose of this paper is fourfold: (1) to present a summary of salient work on mechanisms of synovial joint lubrication; (2) to review the key findings of our in vitro wear studies made with bovine articular cartilage; (3) to discuss the significance of the cartilage wear studies in relation to existing joint lubrication theories; and (4) to describe a new device being used for studies of cartilage-on-cartilage deformation, friction, wear and damage under in vitro conditions.     

A new role for chondrocytes as non-professional phagocytes. An in vitro study

Chondrocytes are capable of engulfing latex particles, cell detritus, and necrotic and apoptotic remains in vitro. It is conceivable that chondrocytes might be involved in the clearance by phagocytosis of different materials within the cartilage. In fact, so far there is no evidence for the presence of "professional phagocytes" (macrophages and neutrophils) in this tissue. Chondrocyte suspensions obtained from rat knees and hips were cultured to assess phagocytosis of latex particles (1 microm), articular cartilage detritus, and necrotic and apoptotic chondrocyte remains (induced by VP-16 1 mM). We observed that chondrocytes phagocytosed latex particles as evaluated by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. In addition, we observed that chondrocytes phagocytosed articular cartilage detritus and necrotic and apoptotic VP-16 induced-chondrocytes, as observed by bright field microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.     

Exploring possible connections between tribology and osteoarthritis

This paper is part of a continuing study aimed at exploring possible connections between tribology and mechanisms of synovial joint lubrication and degeneration. In a separate paper, the focus was on the tribological behaviour of natural and ‘normal’ synovial joints. The central thrust or purpose of the present paper is to stimulate discussion of ‘abnormal’ joint behaviour, in particular, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, from the point of view of a tribologist, and in the light of our findings on cartilage wear. Some provocative questions are raised. For example, can a lack of ‘proper’ synovial joint lubrication or a specific biochemical ‘anti-wear’ agent lead to degeneration of the joint or more rapid removal of articular cartilage? Does osteoarthritic articular cartilage have poorer resistance to wear than ‘normal’ cartilage? It is not argued that arthritis is a tribological problem. However, it would seem that tribological connections with degenerative joint disease — and possibly other forms of arthritis — are indeed possible, but complex.     

关节软骨手术切除机理研究现状

在关节软骨切除机理和临床医学手术效果评价等方面,采用的研究方法不同,对同一问题所得出的结论也不完全一致,各评价指标尚未有明确的统一标准。因此,充分了解手术器械对关节软骨的切除机理,有助于对关节软骨损伤进行合理治疗,并减少手术过程中手术刀具对其造成的二次损伤。本文在总结关节软骨生物力学特性的基础上,综述了软骨切除机理及损伤评估以及手术中软骨与不锈钢刀具间的摩擦磨损问题的研究进展,指出手术切除病变关节软骨相关研究存在的主要问题。     

磨粒分析技术在骨关节炎评估中的应用研究

鉴于磨损颗粒在机械系统以及人造膝关节的磨损过程中起着主要作用,由此可以在理论上进行假设,膝关节中产生的磨粒对骨关节炎的产生和发展中有一定的影响。通过多学科领域的创新拓展探讨这种假设:利用羊的膝关节和磨损试验台进行磨损实验;对羊关节软骨和磨粒样本进行采集和分析;将磨粒样本和关节软骨样本的表面特征进行如下的关联:磨粒和关节软骨磨损特征间的关系;磨粒样本磨损特征与骨关节炎程度间的关系。为探讨硬度与骨关节炎发展的关系,对磨粒进行硬度试验。结果证明在磨损过程中产生的磨粒所携带的信息,对骨关节炎的评估和诊断是很有价值的。     

Prolonged ethanol replacement by CO2 increases splits on articular cartilage surface after critical point drying

Ethanol replacement by CO₂ of glutaraldehyde-fixed and ethanol-dehydrated rabbit articular cartilage specimens was monitored with both gas chromatograph and alcometer prior to critical point drying (CPD). The surface structure of the patellar specimens was also systematically registered with a semiquantitative scanning electron microscopic method. After a 2 h interval, when about 28 μl of ethanol/15 min CO₂ extract was removed, the articular surface was smooth, although small areas of striated surface and superficial splits were present. A long-term CO₂ treatment (16 h) removed ethanol completely, but increased superficial splitting of the articular surface after CPD. Air-drying of the specimens gave rise to inferior preservation of the cartilage: large areas with pitted and leafy surface qualities, but no superficial splits, were present on the surface. It was evident that prolonged ethanol replacement by CO₂, prior to CPD, degraded surface structure of the articular cartilage which should be taken into consideration in the planning and design of experiments. Ethanol removal by CO₂ could conveniently be monitored by an alcometer.