Cartilage damage as a result of hemarthrosis in a human in vitro model.

Abstract

Results suggest a direct irreversible harmful effect of whole blood on cartilage, whereby MNC and RBC together are the main factors. Taking into account that the concentration of blood during hemarthrosis approaches 100% and the natural evacuation time of blood from a joint is about 4 days, our results suggest that prompt evacuation of intraarticular blood or prevention of intraarticular bleeding might be crucial in preventing cartilage damage.