Abstract
BackgroundThe diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial rupture remains controversial. This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanism of partial ACL injuries to the meniscus degeneration in the rabbit knee.MethodsSixty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups including an experimental group, a sham group (n = 6), and a blank control group (n = 6). The experimental group is composed of an anteromedial bundle (AMB) rupture group (n = 24) and a posterolateral bundle (PLB) rupture group (n = 24). Rabbits in the experimental group were subjected to right hind limbs knee surgery to induce ACL part injury under the arthroscopy. Finally, eight rabbits including 6 in the model group and 2 in the control group were sampled randomly on the 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks respectively. We observed the typical form of the meniscus through HE staining. Expressions of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-17 in the knee joint fluid were determined by means of an ELISA. Analysis of the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-13(MMP-13) was performed to evaluate the inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of the meniscus.ResultsHE staining results showed that the surface was rough and the tissues were loose displaying collagen fibers of varying thickness. Both IL-1β and IL-17 in the synovial fluid and the positive rate of MMP-13 in addition to MMP-13 mRNA showed a demonstrable increase treads from the 2nd to the 8th week. The significant difference was found (P < 0.05) compared to the control group.ConclusionWe conclude that the elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-17, along with increased MMP13 expression, resulted in meniscus degradation in the rabbit knee joint model with partial ACL injury.
Highlights
The diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial rupture remains controversial
We presented a predictive factor of partial ACL injury evolution into meniscus degeneration based on the pre-clinical examination in animal models
Characteristics of animal statues and meniscus in the ALB and posterolateral bundle (PLB) groups At 2 weeks post-surgery, the incisions in all groups had recovered without any signs of infection or delayed healing and the control group remained healthy
Summary
The diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy evaluation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) partial rupture remains controversial. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is prone to be the most ruptured ligament in the knee sporting injuries. The severity of ACL injury is divided into three types: mild, moderate, and severe rupture. ACL partial tears, which were damaged to one of the two ACL fiber bundles, were difficult to diagnose without showing accurate joint biomechanics with MRI examination; injury assessment of its functional retention with direct arthroscopic examination was difficult owning to its diverse physical characteristics [3, 4]. The diagnosis, treatment, and efficacy evaluation of the partial ACL injury remain challenging with conflicting reports in the literature [6]. Treatment of partial ACL is related to aspects of the patient’s knee joint, such as a meniscus, articular cartilage, and other structures of acute or long-term damage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
