Use of joint fluid analysis for determining cartilage damage in osteonecrosis of the knee

• DOI: 10.1002/art.10367
• Publication Date: 2002-09-11T02:05:28Z
• Authors: Tomoyuki Saito; Ryouhei Takeuchi; Shigeyuki Mitsuhashi; Masaaki Uesugi; Takuji Yoshida; Tomihisa Koshino
• Keywords: Articular cartilage damage

Abstract Objective To assess the value of joint fluid analysis for determining cartilage degradation and prognosis in spontaneous osteonecrosis (ON) knee. Methods Synovial was obtained from 30 knees with ON (26 medial femoral condyles, 4 tibial plateaus) as well 50 compartmental osteoarthritis (OA) a control. Levels chondroitin 6‐sulfate (C6S), C4S, hyaluronic acid were measured high‐performance liquid chromatography. The lesion size, appearance articular cartilage, results magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared analysis. Results mean ± SD level C6S 82.2 36.6 nmoles/ml knees, which significantly higher than levels grade 2 (47.2 20.0 nmoles/ml) 3 (55.8 29.2 OA. C6S:C4S ratio highest lesions mild changes reflected macroscopic alteration overlying lesion. concentration 9 that covered ≥40% condyle (99.0 32.9 17 <40% (67.2 31.7 nmoles/ml). Knees bone marrow edema on MRI had did fibrous‐like appearance. Conclusion While radiologic staging useful indicating size lesion, it less valuable damage. Joint may provide more precise information about ON, findings also be prognostic significance.