P013 - A Novel Early Osteoarthritis Model Exhibits Cartilage Degeneration After Medial Collateral Ligament Transection Outside Capsule
Abstract
Purpose
Though many surgical animal models have been used to induce osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint, they always open the joint capsule which may cause inflammation, pain, and possibly altered gait. These surgically induced models will affect the initial structures and synovial fluid in joint with capsule opening. They may not be suitable for research into synovial fluid changes during early OA. This study aimed to create an early OA model by transecting medial collateral ligament (MCLT) outside of the capsule.
Methods and Materials
At 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after surgery, eight knees from ACLT and MCLT groups were harvested respectively. The joint gap was measured on posteroanterior radiographs after MCL-resection. Gross examination and histological analysis were performed to evaluate cartilage damage to the medial femoral condyles, synovial fluid were examined and knee joints were scanned using a Micro-CT system.
Results
Compared with ACLT group, MCLT group experienced longer early stage OA from 3 to 6 weeks according to the histological scores. IL-6, MMP-1 and MMP-13 content in the synovial fluid were higher after MCLT than ACLT at 1 and 2 weeks. The degeneration of subchondral bone was slower than ACLT group.
Conclusion
MCLT induces a slight MCL injury that is outside of the joint capsule without interrupting initial structures and content of synovial fluid in joint. This novel rabbit model is suitable for synovial fluid research during the early stage OA.
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