Histopathological study of the joint capsule at weight- bearing area in osteoarthritis of the hip / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the capsular changes at the weight- bearing area of hip with osteoarthritis and its correlation to postoperative clinical results of Chiari pelvic osteotomy. Methods According to the Bombelli radiological classification, the 66 hips with osteoarthritis were classified into three groups hypertrophic, normotrophic and atrophic. Specimens of the capsule at weight- bearing area were obtained during total hip replacement for osteoarthritis, and stained with HE, Van- Gieson and Safranin O. Histopathological changes of the capsules were observed and compared among the three groups. Results The hypertrophic group showed a high incidence of metaplastic cartilage (63.3％ ). Normotrophic group(32.1％ )and atrophic group(25.0％ ) showed a low incidence of metaplastic cartilage. The atrophic group had a higher incidence of fibrous synovitis or fibrosis(81.3％ ) than hypertrophic. Among the three group, the frequency of infiltration granulation tissues was low, the frequency of both infiltration of inflammatory cells and degeneration of collagen fiber was high. Conclusion Associating with clinical research, these findings suggest that the capsular changes at weight- bearing area are responsible for postoperative clinical results of Chiari pelvic osteotomy. Compared with normotrophic and atrophic type, the hypertrophic type has the best adaptation of Chiari pelvic osteotomy.