Biochemical and metabolic characteristics of articular cartilage from osteonecrotic human femoral heads

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume Vol. 59; no. 6; p. 724
• Main Authors: Mankin, H J, Thrasher, A Z, Hall, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1977
• Subjects: Adult; Cartilage, Articular - diagnostic imaging; Cartilage, Articular - metabolism; Cartilage, Articular - pathology; Cell Division; Femur Head - diagnostic imaging; Femur Head - metabolism; Femur Head - pathology; Hexosamines - metabolism; Humans; Hydroxyproline - metabolism; Osteonecrosis - diagnostic imaging; Osteonecrosis - metabolism; Osteonecrosis - pathology; Radiography
• ISSN: 0021-9355
• DOI: 10.2106/00004623-197759060-00002

The cartilage from nine osteonecrotic femoral heads (six post-traumatic and three corticoid-induced) was obtained at the time of total hip replacement and studied by biochemical and metabolic techniques. The data obtained were compared with those previously obtained in normal hips and were correlated with diagnosis, topographical site, histology, and grading according to a histological-histochemical technique previously described. The results demonstrated surprisingly good preservation of cartilage and no significant alteration in the biochemical and metabolic parameters. These findings showed limited correlation with the topographical site and no correlation with the cause of the necrosis or histological alteration. The results do not support concepts of either accelerated metabolic activity or chondrolytic change.