Summary
The compression forces and the distances between tibial and femoral condyles were measured during the development of osteoarthritis produced by immobilizing rabbit knees. The compression was measured in both the immobilized and non-immobilized knees with a sub-miniature pressure sensor. Compression increased up to threefold during the four first weeks of immobilization and decreased thereafter to below the initial level. These results give one explanation why immobilization produced degenerative joint changes; they also support the hypothesis that capsular tissues can play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ely LW, Mensor MC (1933) Studies on the immobilization of normal joints. Surg Gynecol Obstet 57:212–215
Evans EB, Eggers GWN, Bulter JK, Blumel J (1960) Experimental immobilization and remobilization of rat knee joints. J Bone Jt Surg 42-A:737–758
Finsterbush S, Friedman B (1975) Reversibility of joint changes produced by immobilization in rabbits. Clin Orthop 111:290–298
Hall MC (1964) Articular changes in the knee of the adult rat after prolonged immobilization in extension. Clin Orthop 34:184–195
Langenskiöld A, Michelsson J-E, Videman T (1979) Osteoarthritis of the knee in the rabbits produced by immobilization. Attempts to achieve a reproducible model for studies on pathogenesis and therapy. Acta Orthop Scand 50:1–14
Salter RB, Field P (1960) The affects of continuous compression on living articular cartilage: An experimental investigation. J Bone Jt Surg 42-A:31–49
Sood SC (1971) A study of the effects of experimental immobilization on rabbit articular cartilage. J Anat 108:497–507
Trias A (1961) Effects of persistent pressure on the articular cartilage: An experimental study. J Bone Jt Surg 43-B 376–386
Videman T, Michelsson J-E (1977) Inhibition of development of experimental osteoarthritis by distraction during immobilization. IRCS Med Sci 5:139
Videman T, Eronen I, Friman C, Langenskiöld A (1979) Glycosaminoglycan metabolism of the medial meniscus, the medial collateral ligament and the hip joint capsule in experimental osteoarthritis caused by immobilization of the rabbit knee. Acta Orthop Scand 50:465–470
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Videman, T. Changes in compression and distances between tibial and femoral condyles during immobilization of rabbit knee. Arch. Orth. Traum. Surg. 98, 289–291 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00378883
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00378883