It is not well known the origin of the cartilaginous outer layer of the intrarticular loose bodies. An experimental study has been carried out on rabbits loosening out osteochondral fragments into the articular cavity of the kne e joint and studying their histological changes between the first week and the first year. The osteochondral fragments wer e found adhered to the synovial membrane in all cases. A proggressive remodeling tood place within the osseous and cartilaginous components, the whole fragment became covered by a fibrocartilaginous covering, the central bone was reabsorbed and new bone was formed at the peripheral portion unde r fibrocartilage. All tissue change s wer e dependent on synovial membrane activity. Growth of articular cartilage could not be demonstrated.... [Leer más...]