Microcrystalline stress in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Aim. To estimate the rate of articular cartilage microcrystallization in osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects and methods. The investigation included 110 people who had undergone total endoprosthetic replacement for coxarthrosis. A total of 50 patients with total hip endoprosthetic replacement for femoral neck fractures were recruited as a comparison group. An X-ray diffractometer was used to detect crystals. Results. Cartilage mineralization was seen in 72% of the patients with late-stage OA. Conclusion. Articular cartilage microcrystalline stress is a constant sign of late-stage OA requiring further clinical interpretation.

Keywords

• osteoarthritis
• coxarthrosis
• hip joint
• biomineralization
• microcrystalline stress
• chondrocalcinosis
• hydroxyapatite
• x-ray diffraction
• articular cartilage
• cartilage pathology