Joint reaction to polyethylene implantation: A method for inducing osteoarthritic change and osteophyte formation in the rabbit knee joint

Abstract

Joint lesions were induced by implantation of a rigid piece of polyethylene sutured under the patella and quadriceps tendon of the rabbit's right knee. Compared to the left sham-operated knee, follow-up studies revealed progressive changes that consisted of early and transient synovial hyperemia and proliferation and late osteoarthritis. By day 7 after surgery, soft synovial-like tissue proliferated around the implant and the articular margins of the femoral trochlea indicating primitive "osteophytic" protuberances (synoviophytes). By day 15 after surgery, the synoviophytes had acquired a more solid consistency and were composed mostly of fibrocartilage covered by a fibro-cellular synovial lining (chondrophytes). By that time, this tissue was invaded with vascular channels; signs of ossification were already present in the deepest layer adjacent to bone. Between the 2nd and 12th weeks, this fibro-cartilaginous tissue, except for the surface fibrous or fibrocartilaginous layer, was progressively replaced by immature bone (osteophyte). Secondary bone remodeling started soon after the first lamellae of immature bone were deposited. Complete integration of the osteophyte into the distal femur occurred during the 2nd and 3rd month.

Analysis of polyethylene wear debris using micro-Raman spectroscopy: A report on the presence of beta-carotene

“…Recent studies suggest that wear debris may play a fundamental role in a cascade of events with consequent osteolysis and bone resorption. [1][2][3][4][5] It has been reported that retrieved periprosthetic tissues contain significant volumes of submicron-sized, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles. [6][7][8][9][10] This is consistent with an emerging view that polymer wear debris, particularly ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, plays an important role in the development of osteolysis and premature device failure.…”

Analysis of polyethylene wear debris using micro‐Raman spectroscopy: A report on the presence of beta‐carotene

“…Recent studies suggest that wear debris may play a fundamental role in a cascade of events with consequent osteolysis and bone resorption. [1][2][3][4][5] It has been reported that retrieved periprosthetic tissues contain significant volumes of submicron-sized, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles. [6][7][8][9][10] This is consistent with an emerging view that polymer wear debris, particularly ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, plays an important role in the development of osteolysis and premature device failure.…”