Microscopic and macroscopic anatomical features in healthy and osteoarthritic knee cartilage

Abstract

Introduction We illustrated the anatomical aspect of the cartilage in a healthy and osteoarthritic knee joint. Osteoarthritis is a disease of high ethical and economical importance. In advanced stages, the patients suffer from severe pain, restriction of mobility and inability to work. In this mini review, we described the current knowledge about the macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features in healthy and osteoarthritic knee cartilage. Discussion Adult articular cartilage has a low capacity to repair itself, and thus even minor injuries may lead to progressive damage and osteoarthritic joint degeneration, resulting in significant pain and disability. Numerous studies on human osteoarthritic tissue and in animal models have addressed the microscopic and macroscopic anatomical aspects of OA progression to get a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. Further, imaging studies show the macroscopic anatomical changes and are important for the diagnosis of this disease. Conclusion Further in vivo and in vitro studies must be carried out in order to improve the early diagnosis and the treatment of articular cartilage defects, leading to a better clinical outcome for the patients affected.

Comparative Study on Cartilage Tissue Collected From Less- and Severely-Affected Region of Osteoarthritic Knee

“…Whereas, SA-cartilage showed a deep surface cleft, and significant reduction of ECM component. These findings were in line with the observation made by Musumeci et al (2013).…”

Nutraceutical Supplements in the Management and Prevention of Osteoarthritis

“…Cartilage is mainly composed of collagen type II and the proteoglycan aggrecan and it is characterized by viscoelastic and compressive properties thanks to the extracellular matrix [24,25,26,27]. Healthy joint cartilage has a smooth surface and it is white, shiny, and elastic.…”

Post-operative rehabilitation in osteoarthritis

“…Knee OA is the most common type of OA 6 and represents one of the most common causes of physical disability in the world [7][8][9] . Deterioration of the articular cartilage is the main problem associated with OA with consequent chronic pain and functional restriction 10 .…”

“…It is a unique load-bearing connective tissue with viscoelastic and compressive properties that are largely due to the presence of extracellular matrix, which is mainly composed of collagen type II and the proteoglycan aggrecan 9,17,18,23 . OA is a degenerative process involving the progressive loss of structural features and functionality of the articular cartilage caused by an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes in the cartilage tissue.…”