ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
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MORPHOLOGICAL CRITERIA OF CARTILAGE DEGRADATION IN
POST-TRAUMATIC GONARTHROSIS
Yodgorov Nodirjon Abdumajidovich
Fergana medical institute of public health., https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4821-
7773., nodirbekedgorov270@gmail.com
Makhkamov Nosirjon Juraevich
Andijan State Medical Institute, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor
nosirzonmahkamov5@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2932-0030
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17007963
Introduction
Post-traumatic gonarthrosis (PTG) is one of the most common pathological
conditions of the knee joint, developing as a consequence of traumatic injuries
and characterized as a destructive-degenerative disease. Unlike primary
osteoarthritis, PTG often occurs in relatively younger patients and is associated
with previous meniscal, ligamentous, or intra-articular injuries. The key
mechanism in its pathogenesis is the progressive degradation of the articular
cartilage, accompanied by subchondral bone sclerosis and microstructural
alterations under the influence of inflammatory mediators.
In recent years, morphological and morphometric investigations have
become increasingly important in evaluating cartilage degradation in PTG. These
criteria not only provide objective markers for disease staging but also play a
crucial role in the selection of adequate therapeutic strategies.
Aim
To determine the key morphological criteria of cartilage degradation in
post-traumatic gonarthrosis and to assess them based on microscopic and
morphometric findings.
Materials and Methods
The study included 30 patients (aged 18–60 years) diagnosed with post-
traumatic gonarthrosis. Alongside clinical and instrumental examinations,
cartilage specimens obtained from the knee joint were subjected to histological
and morphometric analysis. The thickness of hyaline cartilage, chondrocyte
count, lacunar area and shape, as well as changes in the interstitial matrix and
subchondral bone, were evaluated. Morphometric assessment included
measurements of cartilage thickness, cellular density, and the degree of
subchondral sclerosis.
Results
The study revealed several morphological criteria of cartilage degradation
in PTG:
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- Surface changes: The superficial layer of hyaline cartilage showed micro-
fissures, disorganized collagen fibers, and disruption of the normal cellular
arrangement, representing early degradation features.
- Chondrocyte alterations: A marked reduction in the number of
chondrocytes was observed, with nuclear pyknosis and signs of apoptosis in
certain specimens.
- Matrix changes: Homogenization, mineralization, and hyalinization
processes in the extracellular matrix were evident in advanced cases.
- Morphometric indicators: The average thickness of cartilage was reduced
by 30–45% compared to normal values. The lacunar area was significantly
decreased, while sclerosis of the subchondral bone became more pronounced.
- Inflammatory changes: In some cases, vascular alterations resembling
vasculitis and inflammatory infiltrates were detected in the subchondral region,
indicating a chronic degenerative process.
Discussion
These findings suggest that the major morphological criteria of cartilage
degradation in PTG include thinning of the cartilage layer, reduction in
chondrocyte density, nuclear pyknosis, mineralization of the extracellular
matrix, and progressive subchondral bone sclerosis. The severity and prevalence
of these features were correlated with disease progression. In younger patients,
surface changes and cellular disorganization were predominant, while in older
patients, mineralization and subchondral sclerosis were more evident.
Conclusion
Cartilage degradation in post-traumatic gonarthrosis is characterized by a
set of morphological criteria reflecting different stages of the pathological
process. These include progressive thinning of the cartilage layer, reduced
chondrocyte count, nuclear pyknosis, mineralization of the extracellular matrix,
and sclerosis of the subchondral bone. Comprehensive assessment of these
criteria is essential for a better understanding of PTG pathogenesis, for
establishing objective diagnostic markers, and for developing age-specific
therapeutic strategies.
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