Cartilage Thickness Research Articles (Page 1)

Femoral component rotation affects knee function and component survival in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the presence of posterior femoral condylar cartilage leads to discrepancies in the femoral posterior condylar axis (PCA) between robotic-assisted TKA and manual TKA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the discrepancy in thickness of the medial and lateral posterior femoral condylar cartilage and the discrepancy between robotic-assisted and manual rotation of the femoral component. In the computed tomography (CT) modeling simulation section, we retrospectively reviewed a total of 18 preoperative knee CT scans of patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKA with different femoral prosthesis sizes between January 2022 and January 2023 to measure the mean posterior femoral condylar distance between femurs of different sizes. In the prospective clinical study section, we prospectively measured the cartilage thickness of the medial and lateral posterior condyles in 60 patients who underwent Mako-assisted TKA between October 2023 and December 2024. According to our mathematical model of the difference between robotic and manual femoral component rotation in the presence of different femoral sizes and differences in medial and lateral posterior condyle cartilage thicknesses, the maximum value of angular discrepancy of PCA was 4.02° and the minimum value was 1.13°. The average cartilage thickness difference between the medial and lateral posterior femoral condyles was 0.29 ± 0.97 mm (-2.00 to 2.10 mm). The mean difference in femoral component rotation between robotic and manual TKA was 0.35° ± 1.21° (-2.61° to 2.82°). For most patients with posterior femoral condylar cartilage, the PCA determined by robotic-assisted surgery was greater than that determined manually. Therefore, when surgeons perform TKA with robotic assistance, it is important to be aware of this discrepancy in femoral component rotation to avoid complications such as poor component survival due to inadequate rotation of the femoral component.

Effect of parecoxib and dexamethasone on the temporomandibular joint of orchiectomized rats: Morphological and immunological analysis.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a known risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Since no disease-modifying treatments for OA exist, it is critical to understand joint responses to physical activity following an ACLR. Understanding knee cartilage deformation through ultrasound may provide a better understanding of how knee cartilage responds to running, and how this may contribute to OA pathophysiology and risk. To compare medial femoral cartilage deformation, outcomes, and forces during running in females with and without a unilateral ACLR knee. Cross-sectional laboratory study. Sixteen females (8 ACLR history, 8 controls) participated. ACLR participants had an average age of 20.75 (1.83)years, height of 165.07 (7.43)cm, mass of 65.97 (8.55)kg, and were 36.13 (18.74)months postsurgery; controls had an average age of 20.62 (1.84)years, height of 166.00 (5.76)cm, and mass of 63.18 (4.94)kg. Independent variables were group and limb, with dependent variables including patient reported outcomes Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), medial femoral cartilage thickness changes, and indirect measures of stance-averaged vertical ground reaction forces and vertical rate of loading normalized to body weight during treadmill running. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics with significance defined as P ≤ .05. All participants exhibited cartilage thickness reduction after 30minutes of running (P < .001), with no significant group or limb differences in cartilage deformation, vertical ground reaction forces, or vertical rate of loading. ACLR participants reported significantly poorer patient reported outcome scores across all KOOS subscales. Moderate negative correlations were found between involved cartilage percent change and KOOS Symptoms (P = .025) and Sport/Rec (P = .043). Cartilage thickness significantly decreased in all participants after running, with no group or limb differences observed despite lower patient-reported outcomes in the ACLR group. Exploring the relationship between KOOS scores and cartilage response to activity may inform future research and strategies to mitigate OA risk.

Regional variation in distal femur subchondral bone mineral density: An in vitro human cadaveric model.

A deep learning-based approach for measuring patellar cartilage deformations from knee MR images.

Bipolar bone loss is critical to consider in the surgical management of shoulder instability. Subtalar joint allograft (STA) is proposed as a new alternative graft option that could accommodate both glenoid and humeral head reconstruction, with limited literature comparing its anatomic morphology with the native glenoid and other graft options. To compare the cartilage thickness and radius of curvature (ROC) analysis of the STA versus distal tibial allograft (DTA) and native glenoid for anatomic glenoid reconstruction. Controlled laboratory study. Ten fresh-frozen, unpaired shoulders and 12 specimens of STA and DTA were scanned on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The bone and cartilage were segmented from the MRI scans and divided into the regions of interest (ROIs) for localized analysis. The ROC was determined as a best-fit sphere along the short and long axes of the area of interest. The entire articular surface and ROI (anteroinferior quadrant) of the native glenoid had significantly higher cartilage thickness than both the STA and DTA (P < .001). There was no significant difference in cartilage thickness between the STA and DTA. There was a significantly higher ROC of the native glenoid (median, 24.45 mm; range, 12.07-32.89 mm) compared with the DTA (median, 13.55 mm; range, 8.76-30.43 mm) (P = .008) in the short axes. However, there was no difference between the ROC of the STA in the short axis (median, 19.88 mm; range, 10.30-40.96 mm) compared with that of the glenoid (P = .418). In addition, there was no significant difference between the ROCs of the glenoid, DTA, and STA in the long axis (P > .05)Conclusion:STA and DTA contained similar thicknesses of cartilage; however, both demonstrated significantly less cartilage thicknesses than the native glenoid. There was no significant difference between STA and the native glenoid in terms of ROC in both the short and long axes. There was a difference in morphology between the DTA and the native glenoid in the short axis. STA showed comparable cartilage thickness and ROC analysis to DTA. Further studies are indicated to further investigate the anatomic morphology, indications, and outcomes of STA for anterior shoulder instability.

This study aimed to evaluate the radiological and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following spheroid-based matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation combined with autologous bone grafting (MABCI) for the treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee. In this retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data, 28 consecutive patients with 29 defects of the femoral condyle (male: 15, female: 13, mean age 27.3 ± 9.8 years, mean defect size 3.7 ± 1.6 cm²) treated with MABCI were included. Radiological assessments were performed using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate cartilage thickness, T2 relaxation times and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 scores. Clinical outcomes were assessed using validated PROMs, including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Lysholm scale and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item Profile (PROMIS-29). Correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between radiological parameters and PROMs. The analysis was conducted at a mean follow-up of 44.4 ± 21.6 months. Cartilage thickness in the repair tissue exceeded that of the reference cartilage (3.4 ± 0.9 mm vs. 3.0 ± 0.5 mm; p = 0.036), while T2 relaxation times in the repair tissue were within physiological range (50.5 ± 40.0 ms vs. 41.3 ± 5.4 ms; n.s.). The mean MOCART 2.0 score was 61.3 ± 13.0 (volume fill: 16.1 ± 3.7, integration with adjacent cartilage: 12.9 ± 3.3), reflecting satisfactory repair quality. All clinical scores showed significant improvement compared to the preoperative condition (IKDC: 70.6 ± 13.2 vs. 54.8 ± 17.5, p < 0.001; KOOS: pain 78.7 ± 16.9 vs. 66.1 ± 18.6, p = 0.002, symptoms 75.6 ± 16.0 vs. 65.8 ± 19.1, p = 0.006, ADL 86.8 ± 14.0 vs. 77.6 ± 16.8, p = 0.003, sport 63.0 ± 24.2 vs. 47.3 ± 26.9, p = 0.009, quality of life (QoL) 51.0 ± 22.7 vs. 39.6 ± 17.5, p = 0.014; numeric pain rating scale: 3.0 ± 2.2 vs. 5.2 ± 2.4, p < 0.001). A greater cartilage thickness was associated with reduced pain intensity (r = -0.457, p = 0.013) and improved QoL (r = 0.429, p = 0.020), indicating that better structural repair is associated with improved patient satisfaction. MABCI results in satisfactory cartilage regeneration and subchondral remodelling in addition to significant improvements in patient satisfaction and overall QoL. Level III.

PTHrP signalling-dependent rehabilitative effects on CD90-expressing chondrocytes.

This study aimed to compare talar cartilage thickness in patients with RA and healthy controls and to investigate its association with clinical and demographic variables. Thirty-seven healthy controls and 63 patients with RA diagnosed using the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) 2010 criteria were included in this cross-sectional observational study. All participants' age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The hospital record system's data was retrieved for the patient group, including medication use, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), seropositivity, and disease duration. VAS was used to assess pain, and DAS-28 was used to assess disease activity. Talar cartilage thickness measurement was performed by the same doctor as the ultrasound. Descriptive statistics of the data obtained from the study were given by mean, standard deviation for numerical variables, and frequency and percentage analysis for categorical variables. Mann-Whitney U test was used for categorical variables with two groups, and Kruskal Wallis test was used for categorical variables with three or more groups in the comparison of parameters according to categorical variables. Analyses were performed with the help of SPSS 22.0 program. p < 0.05 significance level was selected. There was no discernible difference between the patient and control groups in terms of age, height, weight, gender, or BMI values (p > 0.05). Talar cartilage thickness did not significantly correlate with age, BMI, ESR, CRP, CCP, DAS-28 RF, number of swollen joints, or sensitive joints (p > 0,05). However, talar cartilage thickness, VAS, HAQ values, and disease duration were significantly correlated negatively (p < 0.05). Our study showed that there is a significant decrease in talar cartilage thickness in RA patients, and this decrease is associated with disease duration, pain severity, and functional impairment. Key Points • Talar cartilage thickness was found to be lower in RA patients compared to the control group • Talar cartilage measurements were negatively correlated with disease duration, VAS and HAQ scores • Talar cartilage thickness may be a potential biomarker for assessing early joint damage and monitoring disease progression in RA.

Angle's Class II malocclusion, characterized by mandibular retraction, significantly impacts occlusal function and facial aesthetics. In adults, the limited development potential of the condylar cartilage poses challenges to effective mandibular remodeling. Clinically, mandibular advancement (MA) can promote the development of condylar cartilage in adolescents, but its effect on adult condylar cartilage remains controversial. Herein, MA is achieved via three methods in adult rats to investigate the effect of MA on adult condylar cartilage development. MA could stimulate the growth of adult condylar cartilage. Nevertheless, the rate of condylar cartilage development remains slow, as evidenced by a maximum cartilage thickness increase of 7.7%. To further promote condylar cartilage development, stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs)-laden microgels are fabricated via droplet microfluidic technology. Microgels with reduced stiffness and accelerated stress relaxation significantly promote the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of SCAPs. Animal experiments have demonstrated that SCAPs-laden microgels combined with MA significantly accelerate the development of condylar cartilage, with a 15% increase in condylar cartilage thickness and upregulated expressions of Col I, Col II, and SOX9 compared to that in the MA group. This study demonstrates that SCAPs-laden microgels in combination with MA can enhance cartilage development, which will advance the adult mandibular remodeling technologies.

Validation of Articular Cartilage Depth in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Biomechanical differences between the paretic knee (PK) and non-paretic knee (NPK) post-stroke are well documented. Due to limited knowledge of the potential impacts of altered biomechanics on knee morphology, this study aimed to (1) assess and compare gross morphological characteristics of the distal femoral cartilage and patellar tendon in the PK and NPK; (2) compare knee biomechanics; (3) investigate associations between biomechanical and morphological data. This exploratory case-control observational study included seven people with stroke (6 male; M (SD) age, 75.7 (4.5) years). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the femoral articular cartilage (thickness and integrity) and patellar tendon (physical characteristics), alongside optic-based gait analyses. Descriptive and correlational (ρ and τ) analyses were applied. The PK and NPK were morphologically similar. Maximum flexion was reduced at the PK (49.3°; 95%CI [41.9, 56.7]) compared to the NPK (62.7°; 95%CI [57.3, 68.2]). Correlations were observed between maximal PK extension moments and medial condyle chondral thickness (ρ = –0.87, 95%CI [–0.98, –0.32]); maximum PK extension and patellar tendon length (ρ = 0.86, 95%CI [0.27, 0.98]); maximum NPK extension and patellar tendon width (ρ=0.93, 95%CI [0.56, 0.99]); maximum PK valgus and patellar tendon width (ρ = 0.86, 95%CI [0.27, 0.98]); maximum PK flexion moments and patellar tendon length (ρ = 0.93, 95%CI [0.56,0.99]); and NPK maximum extension moments and patellar tendon thickness (ρ = –0.84, 95%CI [0.98, 0.20]). These findings suggest a relationship between biomechanics and knee morphology post-stroke. This study offers insight for physiotherapists working in gait rehabilitation, and for future research.

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on clinical parameters and ultrasonographic cartilage measurements in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study was designed as a double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Ninety patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included. Following the acquisition of written informed consent, the patients were randomized into two treatment groups: HILT combined with exercise therapy (ET) and LLLT combined with ET. Each patient underwent five sessions of therapy per week for a duration of 2weeks. Pain and functional disability levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Ultrasonographic measurement of femoral cartilage thickness was performed. Knee range of motion (ROM) in flexion was measured using goniometry. In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS and WOMAC scores, femoral cartilage thickness, and flexion ROM at the end of treatment (at weeks 2 and 6) compared to the pre-treatment period (p < 0.05). VAS and WOMAC scores at week 6 were significantly lower in the HILT + ET group compared to the LLLT + ET group (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistically significant increases in flexion ROM measurements were identified in the HILT + ET group compared to the LLLT + ET group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in femoral cartilage thickness measurements. Both HILT and LLLT, when combined with ET, were found to be effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, HILT provided more pronounced improvements in pain, functionality, and flexion ROM. No difference was detected between the two methods in terms of cartilage thickness.

PurposesCartilage thickness could be a significant biomarker for the early identification of knee osteoarthritis. However, reference data on cartilage thickness across various age groups are still lacking. Consequently, this study aims to establish reference values for cartilage thickness while examining differences related to sex and age groups.MethodsThe study included 232 participants. Bilateral measurements of knee articular cartilage thickness were conducted using ultrasound (US) at three anatomical sites: the lateral femoral condyle, medial femoral condyle and intercondylar area. Three readings were taken per site by an experienced radiologist with expertise in musculoskeletal US. The mean cartilage thickness was calculated, and comparisons were performed between sexes using independent samples t‐tests and across various age groups (young, middle‐aged, older adults and retirement age) using one‐way analysis of variance.ResultsMale participants demonstrated significantly higher cartilage thickness than females across all examined locations, except the middle area of the right knee. Notable differences among age groups were seen in the right lateral (p = 0.002) and medial (p = 0.019) compartments, along with the left medial compartment (p = 0.008). Analysis of the male subgroups indicated that those in the retirement age category exhibited greater cartilage thickness in the right lateral and medial compartments, as well as the left medial compartment, compared to other age groups.ConclusionMales showed greater cartilage thickness than females across most knee areas. Additionally, age‐related variations in cartilage thickness were primarily observed in males, particularly in those of retirement age, while no significant age‐related differences were detected in females. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and age when evaluating knee cartilage health using US.Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Do rates of femorotibial cartilage loss in Kellgren-Lawrence 2 and 3 knees differ between those with mild-moderate vs. severe patellofemoral structural damage? - Data from the FNIH and IMI-APPROACH cohorts.

PurposeAccurate femoral component (FC) rotation is critical in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Residual posterior condylar cartilage is difficult to assess intraoperatively and may bias the posterior condylar axis. Quantitative data remain scarce, particularly for lateral compartment osteoarthritis, and the assumption of a uniform 2‐mm cartilage thickness has rarely been tested.MethodsTwenty‐five valgus knees in 22 Asian women undergoing primary TKA were analysed; 31 previously measured female varus knees, assessed with the same protocol, served as controls. After posterior femoral resection, resected condyles were radiographed perpendicular to the cut. Medial (m) and lateral (l) cartilage thicknesses were measured with magnification adjustment. The thickness difference (Cdiff) was regressed against theoretical rotational deviation (θ). The slope and intercept were compared between valgus and varus cohorts. The proportion of knees within a prespecified ‘2 mm range’ (1.5–2.5 mm) was calculated.ResultsFC rotation shifted 1.31° per 1‐mm cartilage asymmetry (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–1.35; R2 = 0.99). Slopes were similar in varus and valgus cohorts. The mean θ was 1.6° ± 1.3°, with values up to 4°. Thin cartilage (<1.5 mm) was more frequent in varus than valgus (42% vs. 24%), not significant. Overall, ≈52% of knees fell within the ‘2 mm range’ (1.5–2.5 mm).ConclusionResidual posterior condylar cartilage directly affects FC rotation in TKA. In Asian women, each 1‐mm medial–lateral asymmetry produced ≈1.3° of rotational error irrespective of deformity pattern. Only half of the knees approximated 2 mm, indicating that a fixed 2‐mm correction is not universally applicable.Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Introduction:Vitamin D treatment reduces osteoarthritis (OA) pain, inflammation, and cartilage degradation, indicating that it may have therapeutic advantages in the management of OA symptoms. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of Vitamin D in treatment of Knee OA.Materials and Methods:A randomized control study was done on 78 cases, fulfilling American College of Rheumatology criteria for diagnosis of OA knee. Patients were randomized into an experimental (vitamin D supplement along with standard treatment for Knee OA [KOA]) and placebo group (standard treatment for KOA). All patients were followed up from baseline till 12 months. Pain was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional outcome by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Cartilage thickness of medial, sulcus, and lateral femoral condyle was evaluated at baseline and after a year using ultrasound imaging. Data collected and recorded on MS Excel. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software.Results:Mean VAS and WOMAC score were comparable (P > 0.05), but less in experimental than placebo group at all-time intervals. Average cartilage thickness of medial and lateral femoral condyle was comparable (P > 0.05), but more in experimental than placebo group. Average cartilage thickness of sulcus femoral condyle was considerable (P < 0.05) and more in experimental than placebo group at 12 months. Thickness of cartilage decreased in both groups from baseline to 12 months; but not considerably (P > 0.05) in experimental group.Conclusion:Patients with OA discomfort in their knees were benefited in terms of pain and functionality, after taking Vitamin D supplements. There is a necessity of standardized, carefully planned studies to gain a deeper understanding of vitamin D’s function in KOA treatment.

MRI analysis of the chondral surface following deepening trochleoplasty for patellofemoral instability.

Articular cartilage (AC) is a specialised connective tissue covering joint surfaces. It enables smooth movement, distributes mechanical loads, and protects the underlying bone. In response to loading, AC adapts by modifying both its thickness and composition. AC is organised in different zones, with low cellularity and a high abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM). Mechanical overloading or immobilisation can lead to structural changes, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis (OA), for which no causal treatment currently exists. However, smaller defects can be treated using chondrocyte/cartilage transplantation or tissue engineering. A better understanding of the molecular composition of AC at different locations is essential to improve such therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, we performed a comprehensive analysis of porcine femoral knee cartilage at eight defined anatomical sites. Cartilage thickness and proteoglycan (PG) content were analysed histologically, while specific ECM proteins were assessed by proteomics and validated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Significant differences were identified, particularly between medial and lateral compartments, in terms of cartilage thickness, PG abundance, and ECM composition. Some proteins also showed zone-specific localisation patterns. These structural differences likely reflect adaptation to mechanical loading and should be considered to optimise future cartilage repair and tissue engineering strategies.

Mutations in ZBTB20, a transcription factor, are linked to epiphyseal dysplasia and articular degeneration in humans. This study investigates the role of ZBTB20 in regulating articular cartilage growth and integrity during postnatal development and its implications for early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) in mice. We assessed the spatiotemporal expression of ZBTB20 in articular cartilage using immunostaining and generated an inducible cartilage-specific Zbtb20 knockout mouse model. The impacts of Zbtb20 deletion on cartilage thickness, zonal organization, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis were analyzed. We employed histology, Micro-CT, in situ hybridization, RNA-sequencing, and CUT&Tag to evaluate structural and molecular changes in knees from six to eight male mice per group. ZBTB20 expression in human OA cartilage was analyzed using publicly available datasets. ZBTB20 was expressed in postnatal developing and adult articular chondrocytes. Postnatal Zbtb20 deletion resulted in progressive thickening of articular cartilage in knees, with a 1.9-fold increase at 2 months of age, particularly in the deep and calcified zones. This was accompanied by chondrocyte overproliferation and differentiation defects, leading to early-onset cartilage degeneration by 6 months. RNA-sequencing and CUT&Tag analyses revealed that ZBTB20 directly regulates a broad set of genes essential for cartilage growth, chondrocyte differentiation, and extracellular matrix organization. Moreover, ZBTB20 expression was significantly reduced in aging-related OA cartilage in both mice and humans, and inducible deletion of Zbtb20 in adult cartilage resulted in severe spontaneous OA-like changes in mice. ZBTB20 is essential for postnatal articular cartilage development and homeostasis, with a protective role in aging-related OA progression.