Abstract
Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the articular cartilage and periarticular bones. Trace elements influence the growth, development and condition of the bone tissue. Changes to the mineral composition of the bone tissue can cause degenerative changes and fractures. The aim of the research was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the tibia, the femur and the meniscus in men and women who underwent a knee replacement surgery. Samples were collected from 50 patients, including 36 women and 14 men. The determination of trace elements content were performed by ICP-AES method, using Varian 710-ES. Average concentration in the tissues of the knee joint teeth amounted for cadmium 0.015, nickel 0.60, copper 0.89 and zinc 80.81 mg/kg wet weight. There were statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, copper and zinc in different parts of the knee joint. There were no statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, nickel, copper and zinc in women and men in the examined parts of the knee joint. Among the elements tested, copper and nickel showed a high content in the connective tissue (the meniscus) compared to the bone tissue (the tibia and the femur).
Highlights
Osteoarthritis is the most common disorder of the locomotor system and affects mainly the elderly
It is estimated that approximately 40% of degenerative changes of the knee joint is related to body ageing, whereas the rest of diseases are due to excessive load and trauma [1,2,3]
Copper and nickel showed a high content in the connective tissue compared to the bone tissue
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common disorder of the locomotor system and affects mainly the elderly. In 80% of people over the age of 60, radiographs show degenerative changes, and 20% of them suffer from pain and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis may occur in younger people, before the age of 50, and is considered a serious health problem [1]. It is estimated that approximately 40% of degenerative changes of the knee joint is related to body ageing, whereas the rest of diseases are due to excessive load and trauma [1,2,3]. Joint-related ailments are more often the concern of young and active people willing to do sports. Physical activity is considered beneficial for general health, but there are reports that it may influence the development of early osteoarthritis [4]
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