INTRAARTICULAR HISTOPATHOLOGIC - CHANGES SECONDARY TO LOCAL LEAD-INTOXICATION IN RABBIT KNEE JOINTS

Objective: To study the effects of intra-articular lead fragments on a rticular cartilage, synovium, and menisci in rabbit knees. Design: Ani mal model. Materials and Methods: Cylindrical lead implants were inser ted into a nonarticulating area of the medial femoral condyle. Identic ally sized stainless steel implants were used as a control for the mec hanical effects of the material, and arthrotomies were performed on so me of the animals as a control for the effects of surgery. Measurement s and Main Results: Histologic evidence of articular degeneration was significantly greater in rabbit knees inplanted with lead compared wit h knees with steel implants (p = 0.0625), knees with arthrotomies, or those with no procedure performed (p = 0.0325). Changes were also grea ter in the synovium of knees implanted with lead compared with ah othe r specimens. No significant degenerative changes were noted in the men isci of any specimen. Conclusions: Such changes may be early signs of degenerative joint disease and may lead to chronic damage. Gunshot wou nds affecting joints may cause intra-articular retention of lead fragm ents, which are not physiologically inert and may cause degenerative j oint changes. Even if no mechanical impingement is evident, removal of lead may be warranted to prevent early arthropathies in humans.