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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice1998; 28(1); 17-32; doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(98)50002-2

The pathophysiology of osteochondrosis.

Abstract: Osteochondrosis is a disorder of epiphyseal cartilage about which there is considerable confusion in the literature. We believe that this is due to the fact that osteochondrosis has been studied in the chronic stage when the lesions are morphologically complicated and the initial causative insult is impossible to determine. The etiology of osteochondrosis appears to be multifactorial, with trauma, hereditary factors and rapid growth, nutritional factors, and ischemia all having a role in its pathogenesis. Although predilection sites are variable among species, the morphology of the early lesions is strikingly similar, strongly suggesting that the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis is the same, regardless of the species affected. Based on recent studies in pigs and horses, and supported by observations in dogs and cattle, we believe that local ischemia secondary to defects in cartilage canal blood supply is a key factor in the initiation of lesions of osteochondrosis and explains many of the features of this disease. Local ischemia to the epiphyseal cartilage of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex leads to the formation of highly vulnerable zones of necrotic epiphyseal cartilage which later cause a delay in endochondral ossification, with extension of necrotic cartilage into the subchondral bone. Trauma, whether major or minor, to the overlying articular cartilage leads to cartilage cleft formation, clinical signs of pain and lameness, and other chronic sequelae. Studies aimed at further elucidating the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis should attempt to determine the cause of the vascular defect and whether or not it may be modified by experimental manipulations.
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Publication Date: 1998-02-17 PubMed ID: 9463856DOI: 10.1016/s0195-5616(98)50002-2Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article focuses on understanding the factors that drive osteochondrosis, a disorder of the epiphyseal cartilage, by examining early-stage lesions in various animal species. The study hypothesizes that local ischemia resulting from flaws in the cartilage canal blood supply may be a primary contributor to osteochondrosis, leading to cartilage necrosis and delayed ossification, as well as secondary symptoms like pain and lameness.

Understanding Osteochondrosis

  • Osteochondrosis is a condition affecting the growth of epiphyseal cartilage, causing disruption in the bones and joints.
  • The research highlights the confusion in the literature on this disease due to studies mainly focusing on the chronic stage when lesions have become morphologically complex and the original causative factors are no longer identifiable.

Etiology of Osteochondrosis

  • The exact cause of osteochondrosis is not known but the researchers speculate that it involves several factors including trauma, hereditary components, rapid growth, nutritional factors, and ischemia (lack of blood supply).
  • The findings suggest that while the disease can affect different parts of the body in different species, the morphology of early lesions is remarkably alike, indicating that the process leading to osteochondrosis might be common across species.

Role of Local Ischemia in Osteochondrosis

  • The study posits that local ischemia, or deficiency in blood supply, within the cartilage canal is a crucial factor in the onset of osteochondrosis.
  • Ischemia results in susceptible areas of necrotic (dead) epiphyseal cartilage, which later cause a delay in endochondral ossification (the creation of bone from cartilage).
  • These necrotic zones could extend into the subchondral bone, further complicating the condition.

Symptoms and Impact

  • Trauma to compromised cartilage can lead to the creation of cartilage clefts and trigger symptoms such as pain, lameness, and other lasting effects.
  • Symptoms often manifest in the chronic stage of osteochondrosis, and managing these symptoms presents significant treatment challenges.

Future Studies

  • The researchers propose that future studies should focus on determining the exact cause of the vascular defect and testing whether it can be altered through experimental manipulations.
  • Understanding and potentially modifying the vascular defect could provide new opportunities for treatment and preventive strategies in osteochondrosis.

Cite This Article

APA
Ekman S, Carlson CS. (1998). The pathophysiology of osteochondrosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 28(1), 17-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0195-5616(98)50002-2

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
ISSN: 0195-5616
NlmUniqueID: 7809942
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 1
Pages: 17-32

Researcher Affiliations

Ekman, S
  • Department of Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Carlson, C S

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Dog Diseases / etiology
    • Dog Diseases / pathology
    • Dog Diseases / physiopathology
    • Dogs
    • Growth Plate / blood supply
    • Growth Plate / pathology
    • Growth Plate / physiopathology
    • Ischemia / pathology
    • Ischemia / physiopathology
    • Ischemia / veterinary
    • Osteochondritis / pathology
    • Osteochondritis / physiopathology
    • Osteochondritis / veterinary

    Grant Funding

    • RR08562 / NCRR NIH HHS

    Citations

    This article has been cited 22 times.
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