1981 Nicolas Andry Award. The relationship of mechanical trauma and the early biochemical reactions of osteoarthritic cartilage.

Abstract

Using a computerized pendulum device for delivery of a moderate, reproducible impact on the surface of canine femoral cartilage, the lipids of the cartilage were analyzed by gas chromatography, and a four-fold increase in arachidonic acid was found in the phospholipid pool, as compared with controls. This is the first evidence presented thus far which clarifies the link between mechanical injury and the early biochemical changes of the osteoarthritic process. Electron microscopy of impacted cartilage cells showed an increase in lipids and microtubules and cytoplasmic derangement. There was a brief rise in hexosamine content soon after impaction, followed by a trend toward loss.