Role of biomechanical factors in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

The results of a number of epidemiological studies have shown that professions associated with long-term repetitive use of certain groups of joints are associated with a high risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, it is often difficult or even impossible to separate the share of the mechanical factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and the influence of age, genetic, hormonal and other factors that can contribute to the onset and progression of the disease. Thus, the professions of a farmer, ballerina, builder, as well as professional football, skiing, tennis are associated with the development of osteoarthritis. The question arises, how accurately can this disease be associated with the primary degeneration of articular cartilage, and not with its secondary changes after the inevitable injuries to other joint tissues (menisci, ligaments, capsule) suffered in these types of activities? Injury or rupture of the meniscus, as well as rupture of the anterior cruciate ligaments of the knee joint relatively often accompany professional football players. A kinetic study of the release of articular cartilage proteoglycans into the synovial fluid of professional football players showed that their concentration was significantly elevated within a few hours of injury and, although their level decreased over time, it remained elevated for several years. Radiographic signs of osteoarthritis in this category of individuals appeared at least 15 years after injury. The menisci of the knee joint are affected by the weight of the human body, they play an important mechanical role in the normal function of the joint, so their injury leads to the fact that the articular surfaces bear a significantly greater load than normal, accelerating cartilage degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis.