The role of biomechanical factors in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

The results of a number of epidemiological studies have shown that occupations associated with prolonged repeated use of certain joint groups are associated with a high risk of osteoarthritis. However, it is often difficult or even impossible to separate the proportion of the mechanical factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and the influence of age, genetic, hormonal and other factors that may contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. So, the profession of a farmer, a ballerina, a builder, as well as a professional occupation in football, skiing, tennis are associated with the development of osteoarthritis. The question arises as to how closely this disease can be related to the primary degeneration of the articular cartilage, and not to its secondary changes after the trauma of other joint tissues (menisci, ligaments, capsules), inevitable in these activities, suffered? Trauma or rupture of the meniscus, as well as rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint are relatively often accompanied by professional players in football. Studies of the kinetics of the release of proteoglycans of articular cartilage into synovial fluid in professional soccer players showed that their concentration was significantly increased within a few hours after the trauma, and although their level decreased over time, it remained elevated for several years. X-ray signs of osteoarthritis in this category of people appeared after at least 15 years after the trauma. The meniscus of the knee joint is affected by the mass of the human body, they play an important mechanical role in the normal function of the joint, so their trauma leads to the fact that the articular surfaces carry a significantly higher load than normal, accelerating the degeneration of cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis.