Continuous Passive Motion Applied to Whole Joints Stimulates Chondrocyte Biosynthesis of PRG4

摘要

Continuous passive motion (CPM) is currently a part of patient rehabilitation regimens after a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures. While CPM can enhance the joint healing process, the direct effects of CPM on cartilage metabolism remain unknown. Recent in vivo and in vitro observations suggest that mechanical stimuli can regulate articular cartilage metabolism of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), a putative lubricating and chondroprotective molecule found in synovial fluid and at the articular cartilage surface.Objectives1) Determine the topographical variation in intrinsic cartilage PRG4 secretion. 2) Apply a CPM device to whole joints in bioreactors and assess effects of CPM on PRG4 biosynthesis.