Development of an animal model of joint contracture after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and elucidation of the triggers of joint contracture

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K21503
• Project/Area Number (Other): 18H06427 (2018)
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund (2019); Single-year Grants (2018)
• Review Section: 0909:Sports sciences, physical education, health sciences, and related fields
• Research Institution: Hiroshima International University
• Principal Investigator: Kaneguchi Akinori 広島国際大学, 総合リハビリテーション学部, 助教 (10826704)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-08-24 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 前十字靭帯再建 / 関節拘縮 / 関節線維症 / 動物モデル / 線維化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The first objective of this study was to develop an animal model of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction-induced joint contracture. We performed ACL reconstruction surgery on the rat knee and examined the time-dependent changes in passive range of motion (ROM). We confirmed that joint contracture was developed within 1 week and persisted at least until 12 weeks after surgery.
Next, we examined the effects of arthrotomy, ACL transection, bone drilling, and ACL reconstruction on ROM. Restriction of ROM before myotomy, mainly representing the myogenic contracture, was induced by arthrotomy and was further aggravated by bone drilling. Restriction of ROM after myotomy, representing the arthrogenic contracture, was induced mainly by bone drilling. These results suggest that insult to the joint capsule and bone during surgery plays central roles in formation of joint contracture after ACL reconstruction.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在、前十字靭帯（ACL）再建後に生じる関節拘縮の形成メカニズムは大部分が未解明であり、効果的な治療法の確立を妨げている。この原因の一つとして、動物モデルが確立されていないことが考えられる。本研究は、ACL再建後に生じる関節拘縮に対する新たなラットモデルを確立した。
また、ACL損傷とその後の再建術に伴う一連の手順のうち、どの要因が、どの程度、関節拘縮形成に関与するのか不明であった。本研究の結果から、ACL再建術に伴う関節包や骨への侵襲が中心的な役割を担うことが示唆された。この結果は、治療標的の同定につながる重要な基礎的データであると考える。