Aa. Bolanos et al., INTRAARTICULAR HISTOPATHOLOGIC - CHANGES SECONDARY TO LOCAL LEAD-INTOXICATION IN RABBIT KNEE JOINTS, The journal of trauma, injury, infection, and critical care, 38(4), 1995, pp. 668-671
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.