Research on the Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets of Articular Cartilage Degeneration in Osteoarthritis

Research on the Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets of Articular Cartilage Degeneration in Osteoarthritis

Before you are included in this study, you will undergo the following examinations to determine if you are eligible to participate: Before you are included in this study, your doctor will ask and record your medical history, conduct a physical examination on you, and perform necessary imaging tests. 2. If you are more than qualified examination, will study according to the following steps: if you meet the inclusion criteria, will study according to the following steps: (1) when you accept total knee replacement, the doctor will collect a small piece of articular cartilage (0.5 cm x 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm) used for research and analysis. (2) The process of collecting tissue specimens will be carried out by experienced orthopedic doctors, and the entire process will take approximately 5 to 10 minutes. One week and two weeks after the operation, the doctor will follow up with you to understand your recovery progress. 3, other matters need your cooperation: please timely follow-up to the hospital after the operation, so that the doctor evaluate your recovery.

Inclusion Criteria:

Osteoarthritis group:

1. Meets the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria for osteoarthritis: ① Persistent knee pain for ≥1 month; ② X-ray shows osteophytes at the knee joint margin; ③ Age ≥50 years; ④ Morning stiffness <30 minutes; ⑤ Knee joint friction sounds. (Diagnosis requires item ① plus any two of items ②-⑤).
2. Radiographic Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade ≥2;
3. Complete the entire treatment course without interruption or modification of the treatment plan during the process;
4. Complete the full-process assessment and follow-up;
5. The image and medical record materials are complete.

Normal control group:

Normal Control Group (subjects must meet criteria for one of the following two sources):

(1) Source A - Non-arthritic surgery patients:

1)No history of knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, infectious arthritis, or other joint diseases 2)Undergoing surgery for one of the following indications:

1. Femoral neck fracture (Garden type I/II) treated with artificial femoral head replacement

2. Simple meniscus injury or ligament injury requiring knee arthroscopy 3)Preoperative X-ray of the joint from which cartilage will be collected shows normal joint space, K-L grade 0, and no osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, or cystic change (hip joint for femoral head replacement; knee joint for arthroscopy) 3)Intraoperative macroscopic observation or specimen evaluation confirms smooth cartilage surface with no softening, fissure, or fibrosis (Outerbridge grade 0) 4)Complete imaging and medical records available

   Source B - Traumatic amputees:

   1. No history of any joint disease (knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty, infectious arthritis, etc.)

   2. Undergoing amputation of a lower limb purely for traumatic reasons, with no pre-existing joint pathology in the limb to be amputated

   3. Preoperative X-ray of the target joint (typically knee or hip) shows K-L grade 0 and no signs of osteoarthritis

   4. Intraoperative macroscopic evaluation of the articular cartilage from the amputated limb confirms Outerbridge grade 0 (smooth, intact surface)

   5. Complete imaging and medical records available Both sources: Signed informed consent for voluntary participation

      Exclusion Criteria:

      ① Combined with other types of joint diseases, autoimmune diseases or bone metabolic diseases;

      ② Has a history of drug abuse;

      ③ Those who have not signed the informed consent form;

      ④ Suffering from mental illness and unable to cooperate with research;

      ⑤ Other personnel who are not suitable to participate in the research.