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The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Mar 2020Prior data about the modulating effects of lumbar spine posture on facet capsule strains are limited to small joint deviations. Knowledge of facet capsule strain during...
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Prior data about the modulating effects of lumbar spine posture on facet capsule strains are limited to small joint deviations. Knowledge of facet capsule strain during rotational and translational intervertebral joint motion (ie, large joint deviations) under physiological loading could be useful as it may help explain why visually normal lumbar spinal joints become painful.
PURPOSE
This study quantified the strain tensor of the facet capsule during rotation and translation range-of-motion tests.
STUDY DESIGN/SETTING
Strain was calculated in isolated porcine functional spinal units. Following a preload, each specimen underwent a flexion/extension rotation (F/E) followed by an anterior/posterior translation (A/P) range-of-motion test while under a 300 N compression load.
METHODS
Twenty porcine spinal units (10 C3-C4, 10 C5-C6) were tested. Joint flexion/extension was imposed by applying a ±8 Nm moment at a rate of 0.5°/s, and translation was facilitated by loading the caudal vertebra with a ±400 N shear force at a rate of 0.2 mm/s. Points were drawn on the exposed capsule surface and their coordinates were optically tracked throughout each test. Strain was calculated as the displacement of the point configuration with respect to the configuration in a neutral joint position.
RESULTS
Compared to a neutral posture, superior-inferior strain increased and decreased systematically during flexion and extension, respectively. Posterior displacement of the caudal vertebra by more than 1.3 mm was associated with negative strains, which was significantly lower than the +4.6% strain observed during anterior displacement (p≥.199). The shear strain associated with anterior translation was, on average, -1.1% compared to a neutral joint posture.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that there is a combination of strain types within the facet capsule when spinal units are rotated and translated. The strains documented in this study did not reach the thresholds associated with nociception.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The magnitude of flexion-extension rotation and anterior-translation may glean insight into the facet capsule deformation response under low compression (300 N) loading scenarios. Further, intervertebral joint motion alone, even under low compression loading, does not appear to initiate a clinically relevant pain response in the lumbar facet capsule of a nondegenerated spinal joint.
Topics: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Joint Capsule; Lumbar Vertebrae; Range of Motion, Articular; Rotation; Swine; Weight-Bearing; Zygapophyseal Joint
PubMed: 31563579
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.09.022 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Synovial joints are complex structures that enable normal locomotion. Following injury, they undergo a series of changes, including a prevalent inflammatory response.... (Review)
Review
Synovial joints are complex structures that enable normal locomotion. Following injury, they undergo a series of changes, including a prevalent inflammatory response. This increases the risk for development of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disorder. In healthy joints, macrophages are the predominant immune cells. They regulate bone turnover, constantly scavenge debris from the joint cavity and, together with synovial fibroblasts, form a protective barrier. Macrophages thus work in concert with the non-hematopoietic stroma. In turn, the stroma provides a scaffold as well as molecular signals for macrophage survival and functional imprinting: "a macrophage niche". These intricate cellular interactions are susceptible to perturbations like those induced by joint injury. With this review, we explore how the concepts of local tissue niches apply to synovial joints. We introduce the joint micro-anatomy and cellular players, and discuss their potential interactions in healthy joints, with an emphasis on molecular cues underlying their crosstalk and relevance to joint functionality. We then consider how these interactions are perturbed by joint injury and how they may contribute to OA pathogenesis. We conclude by discussing how understanding these changes might help identify novel therapeutic avenues with the potential of restoring joint function and reducing post-traumatic OA risk.
Topics: Cell Movement; Humans; Knee Joint; Macrophages; Monocytes; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Membrane
PubMed: 34804052
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.763702 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that affects synovial tissues of multiple joints. Granzymes (Gzms) are... (Review)
Review
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that affects synovial tissues of multiple joints. Granzymes (Gzms) are serine proteases that are released into the immune synapse between cytotoxic lymphocytes and target cells. They enter target cells with the help of perforin to induce programmed cell death in inflammatory and tumor cells. Gzms may have a connection with RA. First, increased levels of Gzms have been found in the serum (GzmB), plasma (GzmA, GzmB), synovial fluid (GzmB, GzmM), and synovial tissue (GzmK) of patients with RA. Moreover, Gzms may contribute to inflammation by degrading the extracellular matrix and promoting cytokine release. They are thought to be involved in RA pathogenesis and have the potential to be used as biomarkers for RA diagnosis, although their exact role is yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current knowledge regarding the possible role of the granzyme family in RA, with the aim of providing a reference for future research on the mechanisms of RA and the development of new therapies.
Topics: Humans; Granzymes; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoimmune Diseases; Inflammation; Synovial Membrane
PubMed: 36875082
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137918 -
BMC Veterinary Research May 2021Capsulitis leads to the release of inflammatory mediators in the joint, causing capsular fibrosis and osteoarthritis (OA). Strain elastosonography (SE) measures the...
BACKGROUND
Capsulitis leads to the release of inflammatory mediators in the joint, causing capsular fibrosis and osteoarthritis (OA). Strain elastosonography (SE) measures the elasticity of tissue by evaluating its strain in operator-dependent deformation. The aims of the study were to assess the feasibility, repeatability, and reproducibility of SE for imaging the distal attachment of the joint capsule (DJC) of metacarpophalangeal joints in sound horses (Group S) and in horses with metacarpophalangeal OA (Group P) and to evaluate differences in the elastosonographic patterns of these horses. After a whole lameness examination, fore fetlock DJCs were assigned to Group S and Group P and were thereafter examined by two operators using SE. Qualitative (i.e., colour grading score) and semi-quantitative (i.e., elasticity index (EI) and strain ratio (SR)) methods were used to evaluate the elastograms. The inter-rater reliability (IRR), intraclass correlation coefficient (intra-CC) and interclass correlation coefficient (inter-CC) were used to compare colour grading scores and the repeatability and reproducibility of EI and SR outcomes. The same parameters were compared between groups. P < 0.05 indicated a significant finding.
RESULTS
Forty-one horses were included: 11 were in Group S and 30 were in Group P (16 with bilateral OA, 8 with left OA and 6 with right OA). IRR outcomes ranged from good to excellent. For transverse and longitudinal ultrasound scans, the colour grading score of Group S was significantly higher than the metacarpophalangeal DJCs of Group P. Both Inter-CC and intra-CC were higher in Group S than in Group P, with values always > 0.8. Significative differences in EI and SR were detected between groups and between Group S and the affected limb of Group P; values were lower in Group S than in Group P.
CONCLUSIONS
SE can be a useful technique for evaluating DJCs, with good repeatability and reproducibility. DJCs appear softer in sound horses.
Topics: Animals; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Feasibility Studies; Female; Horse Diseases; Horses; Joint Capsule; Lameness, Animal; Male; Osteoarthritis; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34051815
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02897-8 -
Connective Tissue Research Mar 2022Several studies have used animal models to examine knee joint contracture; however, few reports detail the construction process of a knee joint contracture model in a...
AIMS
Several studies have used animal models to examine knee joint contracture; however, few reports detail the construction process of a knee joint contracture model in a mouse. The use of mouse models is beneficial, as genetically modified mice can be used to investigate the pathogenesis of joint contracture. Compared to others, mouse models are associated with a lower cost to evaluate therapeutic effects. Here, we describe a novel knee contracture mouse model by immobilization using external fixation.
METHODS
The knee joints of mice were immobilized by external fixation using a splint and tape. The passive extension range of motion (ROM), histological and immunohistochemical changes, and expression levels of fibrosis-related genes at 2 and 4 weeks were compared between the immobilized (Im group) and non-immobilized (Non-Im group) groups.
RESULTS
The extension ROM at 4 weeks was significantly lower in the Im group than in the Non-Im group (p < 0.01). At 2 and 4 weeks, the thickness and area of the joint capsule were significantly greater in the Im group than in the Non-Im group (p < 0.01 in all cases). At 2 weeks, the mRNA expression levels of the fibrosis-related genes, except for the , and the protein levels of cellular communication network factor 2 and vimentin in the joint capsule were significantly higher in the Im group (p < 0.01 in all cases).
CONCLUSION
This mouse model may serve as a useful tool to investigate the etiology of joint contracture and establish new treatment methods.
Topics: Animals; Contracture; Disease Models, Animal; External Fixators; Fibrosis; Fracture Fixation; Immobilization; Joint Capsule; Knee Joint; Mice
PubMed: 33602048
DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2021.1892088 -
Acta Biomaterialia Apr 2021Loading-induced cartilage exudation causes loss of fluid from the tissue, joint space thinning and, in a long term prospective, the insurgence of osteoarthritis....
Loading-induced cartilage exudation causes loss of fluid from the tissue, joint space thinning and, in a long term prospective, the insurgence of osteoarthritis. Fortunately, experiments show that joints recover interstitial fluid and thicken during articulation after static loading, thus reversing the exudation process. Here, we provide the first original theoretical explanation to this crucial phenomenon, by implementing a numerical model capable of accounting for the multiscale porous lubrication occurring in joints. We prove that sliding-induced rehydration occurs because of hydrodynamic reasons and is specifically related to a wedge effect at the contact inlet. Furthermore, numerically predicted rehydration rates are consistent with experimentally measured rates and corroborate the robustness of the model here proposed. The paper provides key information, in terms of fundamental lubrication multiscale mechanisms, to understand the rehydration of cartilage and, more generally, of any biological tissue exhibiting a significant porosity: such a theoretical framework is, thus, crucial to inform the design of new effective cartilage-mimicking biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Motion and, precisely, joints articulation ensures that cartilage tissues preserve adequate level of hydration and, thus, maintain excellent mechanical properties in terms of high resilience, considerable load-carrying capacity and remarkably low friction. Conversely, when statically loaded, cartilage starts to exudate, causing joint space thinning and, in the long term, possible osteoarthritis; joints motion is, thus, the key to prevent the degradation of the tissues. By developing a numerical multiscale lubrication theory, and by corroborating this approach with experiments, we provide the first original theoretical explanation to this motion-induced cartilage rehydration mechanism. Assessing the rehydration hydrodynamic origin is, in fact, fundamental not only to understand the joints physiology, but also to highlight a key requirement for cartilage-mimicking biomaterials.
Topics: Cartilage, Articular; Fluid Therapy; Friction; Hydrodynamics; Lubrication; Prospective Studies; Stress, Mechanical; Synovial Fluid
PubMed: 33676047
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.02.040 -
Orthopadie (Heidelberg, Germany) Mar 2023Particle disease is the condition caused by wear debris on surrounding tissues and influences the well-being of arthroplasty patients. This condition is multifactorial... (Review)
Review
Particle disease is the condition caused by wear debris on surrounding tissues and influences the well-being of arthroplasty patients. This condition is multifactorial due to the type of bearing couple, head size and implant position. Subsequent periprosthetic osteolysis and soft tissue reactions, can lead to revision THA surgery. The periprosthetic synovial membrane (synovial-like interface membrane, SLIM) is used in diagnostics when the cause of implant failure is uncertain. Detailed analysis of synovial fluid and bone marrow could improve the diagnostic procedure and strengthen the cases for revision surgery and the underlying biology. A large number of research approaches on this topic have evolved and continue to be utilized in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Synovial Membrane; Synovial Fluid; Prostheses and Implants
PubMed: 36867226
DOI: 10.1007/s00132-023-04348-8 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Oct 2022Hip instability has gained recognition as an important cause of hip pathology. Causes include incongruency of the articular surfaces due to dysplasia and/or impingement,...
Hip instability has gained recognition as an important cause of hip pathology. Causes include incongruency of the articular surfaces due to dysplasia and/or impingement, joint capsule pathology, labral pathology, ligamentum teres tears, ligamentous laxity, muscular imbalance, and tendon tears. Lacking clearly defined symptoms and tests has hindered identification and treatment of this condition. Furthermore, the relevant literature uses different terms such as hyperlaxity and microinstability to describe this patient population, conveying different messages. However, the different terms convey different messages. Joint hyperlaxity or hypermobility has sometimes been used in reference to the hip; however, these usually refer to a genetic ligamentous and capsular condition affecting collagen structure, such as in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. More common, and often interchangeable, terms are instability and microinstability. As the authors state in the present study, 'instability' has the advantage of conveying the significant impact the condition has on a patient's life. On the other hand, 'microinstability' may more accurately reflect the vague clinical presentation that we often encounter in the average hip patient with instability. Most patients do not complain of symptoms commonly seen in other joints with "instability," such as giving way, subluxation, and recurrent dislocations. In the hip, the symptoms are generally less tangible, and hence, the term "microinstability" may be more appropriate.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; Hip Joint; Humans; Joint Capsule; Joint Instability
PubMed: 36192045
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.04.007 -
Clinical Rheumatology May 2024
Topics: Humans; Calcinosis; Osteoarthritis; Fingers; Joint Capsule
PubMed: 38502410
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-06941-4 -
The Journal of Family Practice Mar 2020Palpation of the knee yielded a key diagnostic sign. (Review)
Review
Palpation of the knee yielded a key diagnostic sign.
Topics: Adolescent; Arthralgia; Arthroscopy; Chronic Pain; Conservative Treatment; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Joint Capsule; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pain Measurement; Physical Examination; Range of Motion, Articular; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32182297
DOI: No ID Found