LOSS OF ACL-INNVERVATION IN IDIOPATHIC AR THRITIS

This study quantifies the neurological structures of the ACL from prox imal to distal in the zones A, B and C. 37 knee cadavers of healthy pa tients were analyzed to determinate the innervation for each age decad e. This investigation was undertaken with high specific immuno-histolo gic sections (APAAP method). Neurofilaments and Schwann cells were iso lated identified. In a second group consisting of 15 patients with idi opathic arthritis the ACLs were analyzed. This showed a significant lo ss of innervation, often, there was a complete deficit. In conclusion, this study revealed that idiopathic arthritis of the knee is associat ed with a significant deficit of the innervation of the ACL. If this i s the reason for the arthritis or a secondary phenomen is still unknow n.