坐骨神経切断後の犬膝関節における膝蓋骨関節面および関節半月の分裂線について

Abstract

This experiment was made by the author in order to learn what kind of change may arise in the splitting lines' condition of the patellar articular surface and menisci, the articular fossa complemental to the knee joint, after sciatic nerve amputation. Adult dogs 2 years post natal were used for the experiment, and the sciatic nerve was cut off by about 1 centimeter long along the inferior border of the right gluteus maximus. Comparative observations of the said conditions of splitting lines were made on the 8 different stages ranging from 1 and 2 weeks, 1 to 6 months post operations pursuing the changes in the course of time. Following are the summaries of this study : 1. With regards to the splitting lines of the patellar articular surface, the whole surface of apical half was filled with irregular splitting lines in two weeks post operation, then the number of these irregular splitting lines increased toward the basal half with some fluctuation of the increasing rate depanding on the stage. However, distinct line systems were observed in the basal half closer to the basal edge until 6 months post operation. This changing condition is considered to be the increased irregular splitting lines appearing as the defence reaction due to the friction between the patellar surface of femur and patellar articular surface, in proportion with the atrophy of the patellar surface of femur. 2. In the case of splitting lines in the menisci, the changes are in short represented by the straightening of the arched splitting line systems attended with the appearance and disappearance of the irregular splitting lines, and no increase of the irregular splitting lines by the passage of time was observed. This is considered to be due to the loss of shock absorbing function of the menisci to weaken the pressure and friction existing between the medial and lateral condyles of the femur and tibia. In summary, the changing condition of the splitting lines in the patellar articular surface and menisci, the articular fossa complemental to the knee joint, after sciatic nerve amputation is considered to be illustrating the changing process of the fibre arrangement trying to adapt itself to suit the remaining function, responding to the atrophy process of the main articular surfaces.