Some aspects of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: the relationship between vascular changes and inflammation in the joint capsule

Background. The exact pathogenetic mechanism of osteoarthritis is still unknown, however, there is a strong relationship between it and cardiovascular diseases, and an important role of inflammation in the joint capsule has been established. The need to clarify the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis requires establishing a link between vascular disorders and inflammation in the joint capsule. Objective. Determination of possible pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoarthritis by studying the relationship between vascular changes in the joint capsule and morphological changes in articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Aim. Determination of possible pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoarthritis by studying the relationship between vascular changes in the joint capsule and dystrophic and inflammatory manifestations in it. Methods. Histological studies of the capsule of the knee joint of 30 lower extremities amputated in persons with vascular diseases of the lower extremities without a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis were carried out. Results. In the samples of knee joint capsules, along with the phenomena of arteriosclerosis and arteriolosclerosis of blood vessels, manifestations of dystrophy, edema, recalibration of blood vessels, proliferation of the microvasculature with foci of inflammatory infiltration and fibro-proliferative changes in synovium were detected. These manifestations are regarded as initial inflammatory changes in the joint capsule (synovitis) due to a violation of its blood supply. Conclusion. These morphological changes in the joint capsule cause dystrophic changes, proliferation of the microvasculature and fibroso-proliferative changes in synovium, which subsequently leads to dystrophic and inflammatory destruction of articular cartilage. Further studies. In order to clarify the mechanisms of development of synovial inflammation due to ischemia of the joint capsule, further morphological studies of vascular and inflammatory changes in the articular tissues are advisable.