Traumatic Joint Injury Induces Acute Catabolic Bone Turnover Concurrent with Articular Cartilage Damage in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Abstract

ObjectiveAssess acute alterations in bone turnover, microstructure, and histomorphometry following noninvasive anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR). MethodsTwelve female Lewis rats were randomized to receive noninvasive ACLR or Sham loading (n=6/group). In vivo CT was performed at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post-injury to quantify compartment-dependent subchondral (SCB) and epiphyseal trabecular bone remodeling. Near-infrared (NIR) molecular imaging was used to measure in vivo bone anabolism (800 CW BoneTag) and catabolism (Cat K 680 FAST). Metaphyseal bone remodeling and articular cartilage morphology was quantified using ex vivo CT and contrast-enhanced {micro}CT, respectively. Calcein-based dynamic histomorphometry was used to quantify bone formation. OARSI scoring was used to assess joint degeneration, and osteoclast number was quantified on TRAP stained-sections. ResultsACLR induced acute catabolic bone remodeling in subchondral, epiphyseal, and metaphyseal compartments. Thinning of medial femoral condyle (MFC) SCB was observed as early as 7 days post-injury, while lateral femoral condyles (LFC) exhibited SCB gains. Trabecular thinning was observed in MFC epiphyseal bone, with minimal changes to LFC. NIR imaging demonstrated immediate and sustained reduction of bone anabolism ([~]15-20%), and a [~]32% increase in bone catabolism at 14 days, compared to contralateral limbs. These findings were corroborated by reduced bone formation rate and increased osteoclast numbers, observed histologically. ACLR-injured femora had significantly elevated OARSI score, cartilage thickness, and cartilage surface deviation. ConclusionACL rupture induces immediate and sustained reduction of bone anabolism and overactivation of bone catabolism, with mild-to-moderate articular cartilage damage at 14 days post-injury.