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MORPHOLOGICAL CRITERIA OF SUBCHONDRAL BONE
REMODELING 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.17007996
Introduction
Post-traumatic gonarthrosis (PTG) is one of the most significant
degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the knee joint. Although the primary
damage occurs in the articular cartilage, recent studies have demonstrated that
subchondral bone alterations play a decisive role in the early progression of the
disease. Morphological remodeling of the subchondral bone is closely
interconnected with cartilage degradation and is characterized by osteoblast–
osteoclast imbalance, changes in mineralization, and sclerosis. Therefore, the
investigation of subchondral bone alterations is of great importance for a deeper
understanding of PTG pathogenesis and for the development of effective
therapeutic strategies.
Objective
To identify the main morphological criteria of subchondral bone
remodeling in post-traumatic gonarthrosis and to evaluate their clinical and
pathogenetic significance.
Materials and Methods
The study included 25 patients (aged 18–60) diagnosed with post-
traumatic gonarthrosis. Subchondral bone tissue samples were collected and
analyzed using:
- Histological methods – assessment of trabecular bone structure,
mineralization of the bone matrix, and osteon organization.
- Morphometric analysis – evaluation of trabecular density, osteoblast-to-
osteoclast ratio, sclerosis, and vascular changes.
Results
1. Trabecular bone
:
Most cases demonstrated trabecular rarefaction, while
some showed focal sclerosis.
2. Osteocytes and osteoblasts: A marked reduction in osteoblast number
was observed, accompanied by an increase in osteoclast activity, indicating a
disruption of the balance between bone resorption and remodeling.
CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN
MODERN SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
76
3. Matrix and mineralization: Enhanced mineralization of the bone matrix,
disorganization of osteon structure, and the presence of microfractures were
identified.
4. Vascular changes: Capillaries exhibited stasis and thrombotic alterations,
while signs of neovascularization were also detected.
5. Morphometric findings: Bone mineral density decreased by 20–35%,
with sclerosis being more pronounced in elderly patients.
Discussion
These findings suggest that subchondral bone remodeling in post-traumatic
gonarthrosis is a continuous process closely associated with cartilage
degeneration. In the early stages, trabecular thinning and reduced osteoblast
activity are predominant, whereas sclerosis and excessive mineralization
become dominant in later stages. Such alterations are directly linked to articular
cartilage surface damage and the severity of clinical pain syndrome.
Conclusion
The key morphological criteria of subchondral bone remodeling in post-
traumatic gonarthrosis include:
- Trabecular rarefaction or sclerosis,
- Reduced osteoblast number and increased osteoclast activity,
- Enhanced mineralization and disorganization of osteon structure,
- Vascular disturbances with stasis and neovascularization.
Evaluation of these morphological features is crucial for staging the disease,
understanding its pathogenesis, and developing individualized treatment
strategies.
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