Biomechanical and Biochemical Changes in the Periarticular Connective Tissue During Contracture Development in the Immobilized Rabbit Knee

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Abstract
The progressive rabbit knee joint stiffening resulting froin immobilization was studied using biomechanical and biochemical methods. Consistent trends of increase in joint stiffness and decrease in water and total hexosamine content in the periarticular connective tissue were seen as the time of immobilization increased. In addition, positive correlations were found between the total hexosamine loss and the biomechanical measurements in the contracture joints. The correlations demonstrated support of our hypothesis of periarticular connective tissue homeostasis. A cycle of events in which physiological joint forces and motion stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize proteoglycans, which in turn lubricate the collagen fiber interface and allow joints to move easily, is postulated and discussed. These biomechanical and biochemical data, which also detail the rate of contracture development, will provide the requisite basal values in the evaluation of prevention and treatment of experimental contractures by therapeutic agents.