ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine if cartilage particles increased the expression of TNF-alpha by articular chondrocytes. TYPE OF STUDY: In vitro experiment. METHODS: Articular chondrocytes were obtained from patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis (n = 3) and from patients undergoing below-knee amputation for peripheral vascular disease (n = 3). Chondrocytes were then incubated with and without cartilage particles at a concentration of 5 microg/10(5) cells for 24 hours. TNF-alpha levels were then determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Both normal and osteoarthritic chondrocytes had low baseline expression of TNF-alpha under standard cell culture conditions. Expression was markedly increased in response to incubation with cartilage particles, and was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Cartilage debris in the traumatized and osteoarthritic joint may increase the concentration of TNF-alpha in the joint, contributing to joint symptoms and cartilage destruction. Arthroscopic debridement and lavage may improve symptoms by washing these harmful components from the joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
