454 ULTRASOUND PROPERTIES OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE IN PATELLOFEMORAL JOINT IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL CARTILAGE REPAIR SOCIETY GRADE-0 AND GRADE-1

Abstract

Greater change in the enthalpy was observed in osteoarthritic cartilage: −1414.78 J/g compared to 1357.70 J/g in avascular necrosis. Consequently these samples required larger amount of energy for decomposition. Statistical tests proved these calculations to be significant (p< 0.05). All samples showed a clear denaturation peak on the calorimetric curve. Conclusions: This study clarifies the previously reported thermoanalytical results, with acquiring normal cartilage from live surgery, thus providing similar sample environment. The use of DSC as part of thermal analysis was a reliable method for differentiating osteoarthritic hyaline cartilage from necrotic samples. All samples showed a clear denaturation peak on the calorimetric curve, therefore volume of the curve was easily calculated giving the enthalpy change of the sample. These changes correlated with the water content of the samples. The calorimeter that was available for use proved to be adequate for these measurements. The use of thermal analysis could be a simple and effective method for differentiating between pathological disease progression. The relationship between the different pathomorphologic influences, and the role extracellular matrix homeostasis will be necessary to reveal potential targets of therapy. While there is rapid progress in understanding the complexities of joint diseases a simple basic research technique like thermal analysis can be an effective method for controlling the relationship between biomarkers and disease progression.