Functional consequences of cartilage degeneration in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint: quantitative assessment of cartilage stiffness.
Abstract: No quantitative data currently exist on the relationship of the occurrence of cartilage degeneration and changes in site-specific biomechanical properties in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in the horse. Objective: To gain insight into the biomechanical consequences of cartilage deterioration at 2 differently loaded sites on the proximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1). Objective: Static and dynamic stiffness of articular cartilage decreases significantly in degenerated cartilage. Methods: Cartilage degeneration index (CDI) values were measured at the lateral dorsal margin (Site 1), lateral central fovea (Site 2) and entire joint surface of P1 (CDIP1) in 30 horses. Group 1 contained joints without (CDIP1 values 25 %, n = 8) signs of cartilage degeneration. Cartilage thickness at Sites 1 and 2 was measured using ultrasonic and needle-probe techniques. Osteochondral plugs were drilled out from Sites 1 and 2 and subsequently tested biomechanically in indentation geometry. Young's modulus at equilibrium and dynamic modulus were determined. Results: Cartilage thickness values were not significantly different between the 2 groups and sites. Young's modulus at Site 1 was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2; at Site 2, the difference was not significant. Dynamic modulus values were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 at both sites. Conclusions: Degenerative cartilage changes are clearly related to loss of stiffness of the tissue. Absolute changes in cartilage integrity in terms of CDI are greatest at the joint margin, but concomitant changes are also present at the centre, with a comparable decrease of the biomechanical moduli at the 2 sites. Therefore, significant cartilage degradation at the joint margin not only reflects local deterioration of biomechanical properties, but is also indicative of the functional quality in the centre. Conclusions: These findings may be important for improving prognostication and developing preventative measures.
Publication Date: 2005-09-17 PubMed ID: 16163950DOI: 10.2746/042516405774480012Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Articular Cartilage
- Biomechanics
- Cartilage
- Clinical Study
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint
- Musculoskeletal System
- Osteoarthritis
- Pathophysiology
- Prevention
- Prognosis
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The research focuses on examining how cartilage degeneration in horses’ metacarpophalangeal joint impacts its biomechanical properties. The findings reveal that degenerative changes in cartilage lead to a significant decrease in its stiffness, impacting not just the degraded zone but also the overall functional quality of the joint.
Objective and Methodology
- The primary goal of this study was understanding the biomechanical implications of cartilage degeneration at two differently loaded sites of the proximal articular surface in a horse’s phalanx.
- The investigation comprised of measuring the Cartilage Degeneration Index (CDI) at the lateral dorsal margin (Site 1) and the lateral central fovea (Site 2) in 30 horses.
- Horses were divided into two groups – joints without any sign of cartilage degeneration (Group 1, CDIP1 values 25 %, n = 8).
- The thickness of the cartilage at these sites was measured using ultrasonic and needle-probe techniques.
- Osteochondral plugs were then drilled from the two chosen sites and biomechanically tested in indentation geometry. This allowed the researchers to determine Young’s modulus at equilibrium and the dynamic modulus.
Results
- The thickness of the cartilage between the two sites and groups showed no significant difference.
- Young’s modulus (a measure of stiffness) at site 1 was significantly higher in Group 1 (healthy) than in Group 2 (degenerated), while at Site 2, the differences in Young’s modulus were negligible.
- However, the dynamic modulus values were significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 at both sites, indicating stiffer, healthier cartilage in Group 1.
Conclusions
- The study affirms a clear correlation between cartilage degeneration and a loss in tissue stiffness.
- It is also observed that maximum cartilage damage, in terms of CDI, is at the joint margin, but there are accompanying changes at the center too, affecting the biomechanical moduli at both sites.
- This means significant cartilage degradation at the joint margin is not only indicative of local deterioration but also points towards the functional quality in the center of the joint.
- These findings have immense potential for improving prognostication and developing preventatives against cartilage degeneration.
Cite This Article
APA
Brommer H, Laasanen MS, Brama PA, van Weeren PR, Helminen HJ, Jurvelin JS.
(2005).
Functional consequences of cartilage degeneration in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint: quantitative assessment of cartilage stiffness.
Equine Vet J, 37(5), 462-467.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516405774480012 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Cadaver
- Cartilage Diseases / diagnosis
- Cartilage Diseases / pathology
- Cartilage Diseases / physiopathology
- Cartilage Diseases / veterinary
- Cartilage, Articular / pathology
- Cartilage, Articular / physiology
- Cartilage, Articular / physiopathology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / pathology
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / physiology
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / physiopathology
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Severity of Illness Index
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Sarin JK, Torniainen J, Prakash M, Rieppo L, Afara IO, Töyräs J. Dataset on equine cartilage near infrared spectra, composition, and functional properties. Sci Data 2019 Aug 30;6(1):164.
- Stefaniuk M, Ropka-Molik K. RNA sequencing as a powerful tool in searching for genes influencing health and performance traits of horses. J Appl Genet 2016 May;57(2):199-206.
- Peffers MJ, Cillero-Pastor B, Eijkel GB, Clegg PD, Heeren RM. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging identifies markers of ageing and osteoarthritic cartilage. Arthritis Res Ther 2014 May 9;16(3):R110.
- Peffers M, Liu X, Clegg P. Transcriptomic signatures in cartilage ageing. Arthritis Res Ther 2013 Aug 23;15(4):R98.
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