Name: a mini-invasive internal fixation technique for studying immobilization-induced knee flexion contracture in rats
Uploaded: 2019-05-20T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Mini-Invasive Internal Fixation Technique for Studying Immobilization-Induced Knee Flexion Contracture in Rats at JoVE.com

This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81772368), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2017A030313496), and Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Plan Project (No. 2016A020215225; No. 2017B090912007). The authors thank Dr. Fei Zhang, M.D. from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University for his technical assistance during modification.

All procedures were carried out in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and were approved by The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University institutional animal care and use committee (permission number: 02-165-01). All the animal experiments were performed according to the ARRIVE guidelines.
1. Preoperative preparation
NOTE: Figure 1 shows the design of the surgical procedure.
<ol>
	<li>Rigidl...

<ol>
	<li>Akeson, W. H., Amiel, D., Woo, S. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immobility+effects+on+synovial+joints+the+pathomechanics+of+joint+contracture.">Immobility effects on synovial joints the pathomechanics of joint contracture.</a> Biorheology. 17 (1-2), 95-110 (1980).</li><li>Trudel, G., Uhthoff, H. K., Brown, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Extent+and+direction+of+joint+motion+limitation+after+prolonged+immobility:+an+experimental+study+in+the+rat.">Extent and direction of joint motion limitation after prolonged immobility: an experimental study in the rat.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 80 (12), 1542-1547 (1999).</li><li>Arsoy, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Joint+contracture+is+reduced+by+intra-articular+implantation+of+rosiglitazone-loaded+hydrogels+in+a+rabbit+model+of+arthrofibrosis.">Joint contracture is reduced by intra-articular implantation of rosiglitazone-loaded hydrogels in a rabbit model of arthrofibrosis.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Research. , (2018).</li><li>Glaeser, J. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anti-Inflammatory+Peptide+Attenuates+Edema+and+Promotes+BMP-2-Induced+Bone+Formation+in+Spine+Fusion.">Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Attenuates Edema and Promotes BMP-2-Induced Bone Formation in Spine Fusion.</a> Tissue Engineering. Part A. , (2018).</li><li>Fergusson, D., Hutton, B., Drodge, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+epidemiology+of+major+joint+contractures:+a+systematic+review+of+the+literature.">The epidemiology of major joint contractures: a systematic review of the literature.</a> Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 456, 22-29 (2007).</li><li>Wong, K., Trudel, G., Laneuville, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Noninflammatory+Joint+Contractures+Arising+from+Immobility:+Animal+Models+to+Future+Treatments.">Noninflammatory Joint Contractures Arising from Immobility: Animal Models to Future Treatments.</a> BioMed Research International. 2015, 848290 (2015).</li><li>Clavet, H., Hebert, P. C., Fergusson, D., Doucette, S., Trudel, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Joint+contracture+following+prolonged+stay+in+the+intensive+care+unit.">Joint contracture following prolonged stay in the intensive care unit.</a> CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal. 178 (6), 691-697 (2008).</li><li>Dehail, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Joint+contractures+and+acquired+deforming+hypertonia+in+older+people:+Which+determinants?.">Joint contractures and acquired deforming hypertonia in older people: Which determinants?.</a> Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. , (2018).</li><li>Watanabe, M., Kojima, S., Hoso, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+low-intensity+pulsed+ultrasound+therapy+on+a+rat+knee+joint+contracture+model.">Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on a rat knee joint contracture model.</a> Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 29 (9), 1567-1572 (2017).</li><li>Goto, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+progression+of+immobilization-induced+skin+fibrosis+through+overexpression+of+transforming+growth+factor-ss1+and+hypoxic+conditions+in+a+rat+knee+joint+contracture+model.">Development and progression of immobilization-induced skin fibrosis through overexpression of transforming growth factor-ss1 and hypoxic conditions in a rat knee joint contracture model.</a> Connective Tissue Research. 58 (6), 586-596 (2017).</li><li>Sasabe, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+joint+immobilization+on+changes+in+myofibroblasts+and+collagen+in+the+rat+knee+contracture+model.">Effects of joint immobilization on changes in myofibroblasts and collagen in the rat knee contracture model.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 35 (9), 1998-2006 (2017).</li><li>Sakakima, H., Yoshida, Y., Sakae, K., Morimoto, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Different+frequency+treadmill+running+in+immobilization-induced+muscle+atrophy+and+ankle+joint+contracture+of+rats.">Different frequency treadmill running in immobilization-induced muscle atrophy and ankle joint contracture of rats.</a> Scandinavian Journal of Medicine &amp; Science in Sports. 14 (3), 186-192 (2004).</li><li>Nagai, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contributions+of+biarticular+myogenic+components+to+the+limitation+of+the+range+of+motion+after+immobilization+of+rat+knee+joint.">Contributions of biarticular myogenic components to the limitation of the range of motion after immobilization of rat knee joint.</a> BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 15, 224 (2014).</li><li>Matsuzaki, T., Yoshida, S., Kojima, S., Watanabe, M., Hoso, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Influence+of+ROM+Exercise+on+the+Joint+Components+during+Immobilization.">Influence of ROM Exercise on the Joint Components during Immobilization.</a> Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 25 (12), 1547-1551 (2013).</li><li>Kaneguchi, A., Ozawa, J., Kawamata, S., Yamaoka, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+arthrogenic+joint+contracture+as+a+result+of+pathological+changes+in+remobilized+rat+knees.">Development of arthrogenic joint contracture as a result of pathological changes in remobilized rat knees.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 35 (7), 1414-1423 (2017).</li><li>Hargreaves, D. G., Drew, S. J., Eckersley, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Kirschner+wire+pin+tract+infection+rates:+a+randomized+controlled+trial+between+percutaneous+and+buried+wires.">Kirschner wire pin tract infection rates: a randomized controlled trial between percutaneous and buried wires.</a> Journal of Hand Surgery. 29 (4), 374-376 (2004).</li><li>Trudel, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differentiating+the+myogenic+and+arthrogenic+components+of+joint+contractures.+An+experimental+study+on+the+rat+knee+joint.">Differentiating the myogenic and arthrogenic components of joint contractures. An experimental study on the rat knee joint.</a> International Journal of Rehabilitation Research. 20 (4), 397-404 (1997).</li><li>Evans, E. B., Eggers, G. W. N., Butler, J. K., Blumel, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+Immobilization+and+Remobilization+of+Rat+Knee+Joints.">Experimental Immobilization and Remobilization of Rat Knee Joints.</a> Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 42 (5), 737-758 (1960).</li><li>Hagiwara, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expression+patterns+of+collagen+types+I+and+III+in+the+capsule+of+a+rat+knee+contracture+model.">Expression patterns of collagen types I and III in the capsule of a rat knee contracture model.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 28 (3), 315-321 (2010).</li><li>Trudel, G., Uhthoff, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contractures+secondary+to+immobility:+is+the+restriction+articular+or+muscular?+An+experimental+longitudinal+study+in+the+rat+knee.">Contractures secondary to immobility: is the restriction articular or muscular? An experimental longitudinal study in the rat knee.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 81 (1), 6-13 (2000).</li><li>Hagiwara, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+elasticity+of+capsule+after+immobilization+in+a+rat+knee+experimental+model+assessed+by+scanning+acoustic+microscopy.">Increased elasticity of capsule after immobilization in a rat knee experimental model assessed by scanning acoustic microscopy.</a> Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. 111 (3), 303-313 (2006).</li><li>Adelsperger, A. R., Bigiarelli-Nogas, K. J., Toore, I., Goergen, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Use+of+a+Low-flow+Digital+Anesthesia+System+for+Mice+and+Rats.">Use of a Low-flow Digital Anesthesia System for Mice and Rats.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (115), (2016).</li><li>Trudel, G., O'Neill, P. A., Goudreau, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+mechanical+arthrometer+to+measure+knee+joint+contracture+in+rats.">A mechanical arthrometer to measure knee joint contracture in rats.</a> IEEE Transactions On Rehabilitation Engineering. 8 (1), 149-155 (2000).</li><li>Campbell, T. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+a+Knee+Arthrometer+to+Evaluate+Tissue-specific+Contributions+to+Knee+Flexion+Contracture+in+the+Rat.">Using a Knee Arthrometer to Evaluate Tissue-specific Contributions to Knee Flexion Contracture in the Rat.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (141), (2018).</li><li>Moriyama, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alteration+of+knee+joint+connective+tissues+during+contracture+formation+in+spastic+rats+after+an+experimentally+induced+spinal+cord+injury.">Alteration of knee joint connective tissues during contracture formation in spastic rats after an experimentally induced spinal cord injury.</a> Connective Tissue Research. 48 (4), 180-187 (2007).</li><li>Onoda, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Joint+haemorrhage+partly+accelerated+immobilization-induced+synovial+adhesions+and+capsular+shortening+in+rats.">Joint haemorrhage partly accelerated immobilization-induced synovial adhesions and capsular shortening in rats.</a> Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, &amp; Arthroscopy. 22 (11), 2874-2883 (2014).</li><li>Trudel, G., Jabi, M., Uhthoff, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Localized+and+adaptive+synoviocyte+proliferation+characteristics+in+rat+knee+joint+contractures+secondary+to+immobility.">Localized and adaptive synoviocyte proliferation characteristics in rat knee joint contractures secondary to immobility.</a> Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 84 (9), 1350-1356 (2003).</li><li>Jiang, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoplasmic+reticulum+stress-dependent+ROS+production+mediates+synovial+myofibroblastic+differentiation+in+the+immobilization-induced+rat+knee+joint+contracture+model.">Endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent ROS production mediates synovial myofibroblastic differentiation in the immobilization-induced rat knee joint contracture model.</a> Experimental Cell Research. 369 (2), 325-334 (2018).</li><li>Pithioux, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+Efficient+and+Reproducible+Protocol+for+Distraction+Osteogenesis+in+a+Rat+Model+Leading+to+a+Functional+Regenerated+Femur.">An Efficient and Reproducible Protocol for Distraction Osteogenesis in a Rat Model Leading to a Functional Regenerated Femur.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (128), (2017).</li></ol>

This study aimed to elucidate a step-by-step knee joint immobilization method using a mini-invasive technique that permits rapid postoperative rehabilitation in animals after surgery. Conventionally, the muscle-gap separation approach is thought to be a minimally invasive technique in orthopedic surgery. As expected, we found that rats can return to a normal diet and activities just one day postoperatively, which was consistent with the previous study. Moreover, no artery or nerve injury occurred after the surgery, evide...

Joint contractures are defined as a restriction in the passive range of motion (ROM) of a diarthrodial joint1,2. The current therapies aiming to prevent and treat joint contracture have achieved some success3,4. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of acquired joint contracture remains largely unknown5. The etiology of joint contractures in different social communities is highly diverse and includes genetic factors, posttraumatic states, chronic diseases, and prolonged immobility6. It is widely accepted that immobility is a critical issue in the development of acquired joint contracture7. People who suffer from major joint contracture may ultimately result in physical disability8. Thus, a stable and reproducible animal model is necessary for investigating the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of acquired joint contracture.
The currently built immobilization-induced knee joint contracture models are mostly achieved by utilizing non-invasive plaster casts, external fixations, and internal fixations. Watanabe et al. reported the possibility of the use of plaster cast immobilization on rat knee joints9. By wearing a special jacket, one side of the lower limb joint of the rat is immobilized by a cast. The rat knee joint can remain fully flexed without any surgical trauma10,11. However, both the hip and ankle joint movements are also affected by this form of immobilization, which may increase the degree of muscle atrophy in quadriceps femoris or gastrocnemius12. In addition, edema and congestion of the hind limbs must be avoided by replacing the cast at set time points, which may affect the continuity of immobility. Another accepted method for the establishment of a knee joint contracture model is using external surgical fixation. Nagai et al. combined Kirschner wire and steel wire into an external fixator, which immobilized the knee joint to approximately 140&#176; of flexion13. In this method, a resin is used to cover the surface to prevent skin scratches. Although external fixation immobilization is robust and reliable14,15, percutaneous Kirschner wire pin tracks may increase the risk of infection16. In our own experience, using the external fixation technique may reduce the daily activity of rats due to an increase in the conditioned lick behavior.
Alternatively, Trudel et al. described a well-accepted model of joint contracture in the rat knee joint based on a surgical internal fixation17 (this method was modified from the one used by Evans and colleagues18). Notably, this method highlights the importance of utilizing a mini-incision technique to minimize the surgical wounds. The efficient development of joint contracture has been proved in this model19. However, the protocol on how to perform a minimal dissection to expose the bone surface is still unclear20. Also, the precise position where the screw is drilling is not fully understood. The implantation of the internal fixation through a subcutaneous or submuscular way is still controversial21. To solve these problems, we have modified this method by including an appropriate muscle-gap separation modus, which allows a mini-invasive exposure of the bone surface and the placement of the implantation through a submuscular channel. This protocol led to rapid postoperative rehabilitation in rats after surgery. Animals developed a limited joint range of motion after joint immobilization, which was consistent with morphological changes of capsular adhesion obtained from the histological analysis. We also describe an exact possible location of the drilled screws as confirmed by X-ray analysis or micro-CT analysis. Thus, this study aimed to describe in detail a minimal-invasive technique in a knee joint contracture model that was established by a muscle-gap separation modus combined with a mini-incision method. We believe that minimally invasive techniques can both reduce animal trauma and effectively mimic the pathological process of joint flexion contracture.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:591px;" width="589">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="62">
			<td height="62" style="height:63px;width:223px;">Anerdian</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">Shanghai Likang Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">310173</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">antibacterial</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="104">
			<td height="104" style="height:104px;width:223px;">Buprenorphine&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">Shanghai Shyndec Pharmaceutical Ltd.</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">/</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">analgesia&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:223px;">Carprofen</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">MCE</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">HY-B1227</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">analgesia&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:223px;">Cross screwdriver</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">STANLEY</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">PH0*125mm</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">tighten the screws</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="62">
			<td height="62" style="height:63px;width:223px;">Electric drill</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">WEGO</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">185</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">drill hole(with stainless steel drill 0.9mm;1.0mm)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:223px;">Microsurgical instruments</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">RWD</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">/</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">Orthopaedic surgical instruments for animals</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:223px;">Neomycin</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">N6386</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">antibacterial</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:223px;">Sodium pentobarbital</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">P3761</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">&#160;anaesthetize</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:223px;">Stainless Steel screws</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">WEGO</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">m1.4*8; m1.2*6</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">screw(part of internal fixation)&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="62">
			<td height="62" style="height:63px;width:223px;">Syringe&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">WEGO</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">3151474</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">use for plastic plate(part of internal fixation)&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:223px;">&#956;-CT&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:73px;">ALOKA</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">Latheta LCT-200</td>
			<td style="width:172px;">in vivo CT scan</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a mini-invasive internal fixation technique for studying immobilization-induced knee flexion contracture in rats

Joint contracture, resulting from a prolonged joint immobilization, is a common complication in orthopedics. Currently, utilizing an internal fixation to restrict knee joint mobility is a widely accepted model to generate experimental contracture. However, implanting application will inevitably cause surgical trauma to the animals. Aiming to develop a less invasive approach, we combined a muscle-gap separation modus with a previously reported mini-incision skill during the surgical procedure: Two mini skin incisions were made on the lateral thigh and leg, followed by performing muscle-gap separation to expose the bone surface. The rat knee joint was gradually immobilized by a preconstructed internal fixation at approximately 135&#176; knee flexion without interfering essential nerves or blood vessels. As expected, this simple technique permits rapid postoperative rehabilitation in animals. The correct position of the internal fixation was confirmed by an x-ray or micro-CT scanning analysis. The range of motion was significantly restricted in the immobilized knee joint than that observed in the contralateral knee joint demonstrating the effectiveness of this model. Besides, histological analysis revealed the development of fibrous deposition and adhesion in the posterior-superior knee joint capsule over time. Thus, this mini-invasive model may be suitable for mimicking the development of immobilized knee joint contracture.

We observed that rats received minimally invasive surgery can return to the regular diet just one day postoperatively. In particular, the surgical incision has scarred without exudate (Figure 5a). The swelling of the ankle and metacarpophalangeal joints in the operative hindlimb has almost wholly disappeared two days postoperatively (Figure 5b) when compared with the contralateral side (Figure 5c). N...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Mini-Invasive Internal Fixation Technique for Studying Immobilization-Induced Knee Flexion Contracture in Rats at JoVE.com

A Mini-Invasive Internal Fixation Technique for Studying Immobilization-Induced Knee Flexion Contracture in Rats

Here, we present a protocol to describe a minimally invasive technique for knee joint immobilization in a rat model. This reproducible protocol, basing on muscle-gap separation modus and the mini-incision skill, is suitable for studying the underlying molecular mechanism of acquired joint contracture.

Joint contracture, resulting from a prolonged joint immobilization, is a common complication in orthopedics. Currently, utilizing an internal fixation to ...

This simple and effective muscle-gap separation model technique combine the ways of mini-invasion method is the best internal fixation in our rat knee joint contraction model. The main advantage of this technique is that it's process are reproducible and the minimally invasive alternative to inducing contracture of the knee joint in animals. Demonstrating the procedure will be Shihai Jiang and Fei Zhang, graduate student from my laboratory.After confirming a lack of response to toe-pinch, shave the lower body of the anesthetized rat, including the two hind limbs. Disinfect the exposed skin with tincture of povidone iodine two times and 75%ethanol three times. Apply ointment to the animal's eyes and place the rat laterally under a surgical drape with one hind limb and hip exposed.Disinfect the surgical area with additional povidone iodine. At the distal end of the femur greater trochanter, draw a line along the body surface projection of the muscle gap between the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris to mark the direction of the skin incision. Next, make a 1.5 centimeter incision in the epidermis along the line.Use tissue forceps to bluntly dissect the muscle gap between the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris until approximately one centimeter of the femoral shaft is exposed. Use a retractor to facilitate a continuous separation of the muscle gap. Make a one centimeter incision in the epidermis along the body surface projection of the muscle gap between the tibialis anterior and fibularis longus on the distal lower extremity.Bluntly dissect the muscle gap until approximately one centimeter of the tibia is exposed. Use the retractor and smooth forceps to separate the soft tissues. Holding a drill perpendicular to the bone, drill a one millimeter diameter hole into the femoral shaft at 1, 500 rotations per minute approximately eight millimeters below the lower edge of the greater trochanter.Quickly press the wound to stop the bleeding and drill a 0.9 millimeter diameter hole into the tibia approximately four millimeters below the edge of the tibiofibular fusion. Use a straight mosquito-type hemostatic clamp to form a submuscular course from the tibia hole to the femur hole, passing below the gastrocnemius in the tibia end and above the gluteus medius below the biceps femoris in the femur end. Then use one m1.4 by eight millimeter steel screw to secure one end of a plastic plate in the proximal femur.Use one m1.2 by six millimeter steel screw to secure another end of the plastic plate in the distal tibia. When the plate has been secured, use 4-0 absorbable sutures to close the myofascia, deep fascia, and subcutaneous tissue. Close the skin with silk sutures.X-ray imaging reveals a correct placement of the steel screws in the femur or the tibia. Three-dimensional reconstruction analysis after high-resolution microcomputed tomography scanning demonstrates the lateral placement of the screws approximately eight millimeters below the lower edge of the greater trochanter at the proximal femur and about four millimeters below the edge of the tibiofibular fusion at the distal tibia. The arthrogenic deficits in the the range of motion increase during immobilization in a time-dependent manner.As demonstrated by the higher average arthrogenic deficits measured for the immobilized knee joint compared to the control knee joint at 56 days of immobilization. On day one of the immobilization, no adhesion is observed by elastic staining of the posterior-superior knee joint capsule in the joint space between the posterior-superior joint capsule in the femur in the immobilized or the contralateral side knee joint. By 28 days of immobilization however, fibroadipose tissue deposits and adhesion develop in the joint space of the immobilized knee.After 56 days of immobilization, the fibrous tissues are partially replaced by the deposition while this type of adhesion is not observed in the contralateral knee joint. This method is modified from that used by Professor Trudel and colleagues from the University of Ottawa. It is key to identify and separate the muscle gaps during the surgery.Following different immobilization techniques other experimental process such as the culture of the knee joint capsule can be performed to study the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Research

JoVE Journal

Developmental Biology

Method of Studying Palatal Fusion using Static Organ Culture

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common of all birth defects. The secondary palate forms from mesenchymal shelves covered with epithelium that ...

Technique to Target Microinjection to the Developing Xenopus Kidney

Technique to Target Microinjection to the Developing Xenopus Kidney

The embryonic kidney of Xenopus&#160;laevis (frog), the pronephros, consists of a single nephron, and can be used as a model for kidney disease. Xenopus ...

Production and Administration of Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell (MSC) Spheroids Primed in 3-D Cultures Under Xeno-free Conditions

Production and Administration of Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell MSC Spheroids Primed in 3-D Cultures Under Xeno-free Conditions

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in bioengineering and regenerative medicine. MSCs can be isolated from multiple adult tissues via ...

Directed Differentiation of Primitive and Definitive Hematopoietic Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

One of the major goals for regenerative medicine is the generation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem ...

Surgical Ablation Assay for Studying Eye Regeneration in Planarians

In the study of adult stem cells and regenerative mechanisms, planarian flatworms are a staple in vivo model system. This is due in large part to their ...

A Novel Mammary Fat Pad Transplantation Technique to Visualize the Vessel Generation of Vascular Endothelial Stem Cells

Endothelial cells (ECs) are the fundamental building blocks of the vascular architecture and mediate vascular growth and remodeling to ensure proper ...

A Standardized Method for Measuring Internal Lung Surface Area via Mouse Pneumonectomy and Prosthesis Implantation

Pulmonary morphology, physiology, and respiratory functions change in both physiological and pathological conditions. Internal lung surface area (ISA), ...

In Vivo Tracking of Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Model with Fluorescent Lipophilic Membrane Dye

In Vivo Tracking of Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Model with Fluorescent Lipophilic Membrane Dye

In order to support the clinical application of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (haMSC) therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), we examined the ...

Real-time Measurement of Epithelial Barrier Permeability in Human Intestinal Organoids

Advances in 3D culture of intestinal tissues obtained through biopsy or generated from pluripotent stem cells via directed differentiation, have resulted ...

An Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein-based Assay for Studying Neurite Outgrowth in Primary Neurons

Neurite outgrowth is a fundamental event in the formation of the neural circuits during nervous system development. Severe neurite damage and synaptic ...