Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia (Dec 2013)

Comparative Study of the Use of Intra-articular and Systemic Meloxicam to Control Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Rabbit Knees

  • Valeria Trombini Vidotto,
  • Rodrigo Tesser da Rocha,
  • Caroline Lorraine de Paiva,
  • Joao Ricardo Nardotto,
  • Anderson Farias,
  • Sandro Alex Stefanes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rboe.2013.12.011
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48, no. 6
pp. 524 – 531

Abstract

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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate morphologic changes, as well as chondroprotective and intra-articular effects of meloxicam on joint repair in rabbits induced by experimental trochleoplasty, minimizing possible adverse side effects. Methods: Thirty-five rabbits were divided into four groups: the control group, which did not undergo surgery, and operated groups, which used different ways of administering the anti-inflammatory agent: systemic, 0.2 mg/kg; intra-articular, 0.5 mg/kg; positive group control, without meloxicam. Each operated group was divided according to the periods of 7 or 30 days evaluation after surgery. Results: Regarding macroscopic and histological evaluation of cartilage, after 30 days, most animals showed almost complete joint repair, the presence of few or no inflammatory cells; whereas part of the animals treated with meloxicam presented necrosis in the trochlear ridge and absence of inflammatory cells after 7 days. In positive control group, it was observed moderate inflammation and connective tissue proliferation. None of the animals in the operated groups showed irregularities 30 days after surgery. Conclusion: Either intra-articular or systemic, meloxicam revealed to be favorable to be used for joint repair and control of inflammatory reaction.

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