[Hemarthrosis and the cruciate ligaments - morphological studies. 2]

Acute hemarthrosis: a histological, biochemical, and biomechanical correlation of early effects on the anterior cruciate ligament in a rabbit model

The early histological, biochemical, and biomechanical characteristics of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) were determined in a rabbit model of acute hemarthrosis. The ACLs of 19 rabbits were given seven consecutive daily knee injections of 2 ml of fresh autologous blood, and then compared to contralateral ACLs from control knees injected with 2 ml of lactated Ringer's solution daily for 7 days. The rabbits were then sacrificed. Synovial proliferation with iron deposition within synoviocytes was observed; however, the architecture of the ACL was maintained. Additionally, the total collagen content, collagenase activity, and biomechanical properties of the ACL were unaltered.

[Follow-up management of recently operated capsule and ligament injuries of the knee joint]

The guidelines for the treatment of ligament injuries of the knee joint are subject to continuous changes due to new experiences in the field of functional anatomy and pathophysiology, as well as to the progressive changes in surgical treatment. The authors suggest answers to the questions of immobilisation, appropriate support, mobilisation, etc., questions which as yet have no final and binding solutions. They also discuss the problems of muscle atrophy and the time at which sportive activities of varying strains may be taken up again.