Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Joint Capsule”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Contribution of the anterolateral joint capsule to the mechanical stability of the ankle.

Published reports describe the clinical efficacy of modified Brostrom anatomic repairs, surgical procedures that involve repair and fortification of the lateral capsuloligamentous complex of the ankle for patients suffering from chronic lateral instability of this joint. A cadaveric serial sectioning study of the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the remainder of the anterolateral joint capsule was completed to quantitate the contribution of the superior portion of the anterolateral joint capsule, independent of the other two structures, to the overall mechanical stability of the lateral ankle. Using 20 fresh frozen specimens, talar tilt and anterior drawer stress radiographs were taken before and after sectioning these anatomic structures in an order established by one of two protocols. Sectioning of the superior anterolateral joint capsule caused 17% to 18% of the total displacement in a Grade II sprain simulation and 29% to 33% of the total displacement in a Grade III sprain simulation. This work suggests that disruption of the segment of ankle joint capsule superior to the anterior talofibular ligament creates approximately 30% of the overall laxity encountered in a Grade III inversion sprain, substantiating the principle of restoring the integrity of the entire anterolateral joint capsule when operating on a chronically unstable ankle.

Ankle Joint↗

Age-related variability in elbow joint capsule thickness in asymptomatic children and adults.

The purpose of this study was to establish normal ultrasonographic measurements for elbow joint capsule thickness in children. Transverse posterior ultrasonographic images of 53 elbow joints in asymptomatic patients were digitized, and off-line measurements were performed and compared to the corresponding scale present on each image to yield a reliable measurement in millimeters. Joint capsule thickness measurements regressed with age. Significant differences existed between three age groups. Joint capsule thickness is under 1 mm in children 1 month to 2 years of age, increased significantly to just over 1 mm from 2 to 15 years of age, and approached 2 mm in thickness at and after 15 years of age.

Adolescent↗

Finite element modeling approaches of human cervical spine facet joint capsule.

The human cervical spine facet joint capsule was modeled using four nonlinear finite element approaches: slideline, contact surface, hyperelastic, and fluid models. Slideline elements and contact surface definitions were used in the first two models to simulate the synovial fluid between the articulating cartilages. Incompressible solid elements approximated the synovial fluid in the hyperelastic model. Hydrostatic fluid elements idealized the synovial fluid in the fluid model. The finite element analysis incorporated geometric, material and contact nonlinearities. All models were subjected to compression, flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The fluid model idealization better approximates the actual facet joint anatomy and its behavior than the gap assumption in the slideline and contact surface models, and the solid element simulation in the hyperelastic model.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

The joint capsule: structure, composition, ageing and disease.

The joint capsule is vital to the function of synovial joints. It seals the joint space, provides passive stability by limiting movements, provides active stability via its proprioceptive nerve endings and may form articular surfaces for the joint. It is a dense fibrous connective tissue that is attached to the bones via specialised attachment zones and forms a sleeve around the joint. It varies in thickness according to the stresses to which it is subject, is locally thickened to form capsular ligaments, and may also incorporate tendons. The capsule is often injured, leading to laxity, constriction and/or adhesion to surrounding structures. It is also important in rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, crystal deposition disorders, bony spur formation and ankylosing spondylitis. This article concentrates on the specialised structures of the capsule--where capsular tissues attach to bone or form part of the articulation of the joint. It focuses on 2 joints: the rat knee and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the human finger. The attachments to bone contain fibrocartilage, derived from the cartilage of the embryonic bone rudiment and rich in type II collagen and glycosaminoglycans. The attachment changes with age, when type II collagen spreads into the capsular ligament or tendon, or pathology--type II collagen is lost from PIP capsular attachments in rheumatoid arthritis. Parts of the capsule that are compressed during movement adapt by becoming fibrocartilaginous. Such regions accumulate cartilage-like glycosaminoglycans and may contain type II collagen, especially in aged material.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗

[Ultrastructural changes in joint capsule in TMJ disturbance syndrome].

The joint capsule is one of component parts of joint. In order to clear the changes of the capsule in TMJ disturbance syndrome, we studied 3 normal capsules and 7 patient's capsules by light microscope and electron microscope. The results are: under LM, some fibrous materials are found on the surfaces of synovial membranes in TMJ disturbance syndrome. The synovial membranes in disease become thicker than usual. The connective tissue shows hyaline degeneration. Under EM, the surfaces of synovial membranes are covered by an irregular granulated or filamentous substance. Collagens are denatured or dissolved. Among fibrils amorphous moderate-electron dense materials are present. The authors think that these changes are associated with the autoimmune reaction in TMJ disturbance syndrome and increase the destruction of TMJ in this disease.

Adult↗

Sensory nerve endings in monkey hip joint capsule: a morphological investigation.

This study was undertaken to identify the sensory nerve endings in the monkey hip joint capsule. The capsules from six monkeys were stained in bulk by using a modified gold chloride method. Three morphologically distinct nerve endings: Type I, II and IV receptors resembling Ruffini end organs. Pacinian corpuscles and free nerve endings, respectively, were identified. The results showed that the hip joint capsules were densely innervated. Based on the present findings it is suggested that the monkey hip joint capsule is endowed with several types of afferent nerve endings, thus providing the anatomical basis for discriminating afferent outflow to the central nervous system.

Animals↗

The thermal effect of monopolar radiofrequency energy on the properties of joint capsule. An in vivo histologic study using a sheep model.

The purpose of this in vivo study was to analyze the short-term tissue response of joint capsule to monopolar radiofrequency energy and to compare the effects of five power settings at 65 degrees C on heat distribution in joint capsule. In 12 mature Hampshire sheep, the medial and lateral aspects of both stifles were treated with monopolar radiofrequency energy under arthroscopic control in a single uniform pass to the synovial surface. The radiofrequency generator power settings were 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 watts (N = 8/group). The electrode tip temperature was 65 degrees C. Histologic analysis at 7 days after surgery revealed thermal damage of capsule at all radiofrequency power settings. The lesion's cross-sectional area, depth, vascularity, and inflammation were commensurate with radiofrequency power. Tissue damage was indicated by variable inflammatory cell infiltration, fusion of collagen, pyknosis of fibroblasts, myonecrosis, and vascular thrombosis, whereas synovial hyperplasia, fibroblast proliferation, and rowing of sarcolemmal nuclei demonstrated regenerative processes. This study revealed that radiofrequency power settings and heat loss through lavage solution play a significant role in heat distribution and morphologic alterations in joint capsule after arthroscopic application of monopolar radiofrequency energy.

Animals↗

[Enzyme histochemical demonstration of immunoglobulins in joint capsules in chronic polyarthritis and active inflammatory arthritis].

In rheumatoid arthritis, immunoglobulins are detectable in joint capsules within the subsynovial space and in superficial cell layers in significantly greater frequency as compared with osteoarthritis. These extravascular immunoglobulins were demonstrated in good agreement by a three-step immuno-peroxydase technique and a two-step alkaline phosphatase technique, the former being preferable because of reduced unspecific background staining. Both techniques are at least as sensitive as conventional immunofluorescence while in addition rendering the histological evaluation of the entire joint capsule possible. Thus, the detection of extravascular immunoglobulins can be related to their activity as mediators of inflammation. Accordingly, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of superficial cells as well as stromal proliferation could be consequences of immunoglobulins or immune-complexes persisting in the joint capsule. The histochemical techniques described here are suitable to morphologically distinguish osteoarthritis from chronic polyarthritis in histological sections. The presence of immunoglobulins in superficial cell layers and/or extravascular spaces argues in favour of rheumatoid arthritis.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

The relationship between the temporomandibular joint capsule, articular disc and jaw muscles.

The anatomy of the temporomandibular joint capsule and its possible relationships to other structures near the joint are not fully understood. A 3-dimensional analysis based on sagittal, frontal and horizontal serial sections through the human temporomandibular joint region was therefore undertaken. Capsular elements which directly connect the temporal bone with the mandible were seen only on the lateral side of the joint. In the posterior, anterior and medial regions of the joint the upper and lower laminae of the articular disc are attached separately either to the temporal bone or to the mandibular condyle. The shaping of the articular cavities and the texture of the joint capsule permit movements of the articular disc predominantly in the anteromedial direction. On the entire medial side of the joint the articular disc and its capsular attachments are in close contact with the fascia of the lateral pterygoid muscle whereby a small portion of the upper head of this muscle inserts directly into the anteromedial part of the articular disc. Thus both the upper and the lower heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle are likely to influence the position of the articular disc directly during temporomandibular joint movements. Laterally, the articular disc is attached to the fascia of the masseter muscle, and part of the lateral ligament inserts into the temporalis fascia. Since these attachments are relatively weak, neither the temporalis nor the masseter muscles are considered to act directly on the articular disc; instead, via afferents from muscle spindles, they may take part in signalling the position of the temporomandibular joint components, including that of the articular disc.

Adult↗

Some histological aspects of the hip joint capsule in the vervet monkey.

Microscopic studies show that the capsule of the hip joint in the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus) is preponderantly collagenous. Among the collagen fiber bundles are varying quantities of elastic fibers that demonstrate a definite, differential regional distribution. The highest concentration of elastic tissue is found in the posterior, postero-inferior, and inferior aspects of the hip joint capsule, whereas the anterior and superior aspects of the capsule are preponderantly collagenous. It is postulated that this regional distribution of elastic tissue is related to the differential functional requirements of the posterior, postero-inferior, and inferior aspects of the capsule for flexibility and stretchability. These requirements appear to be a consequence of the habitual postures and locomotory positions assumed at the hip joint by these primarily quadrupedal primates. Collagen, on the other hand, being much more resistant to deformation and relatively noncompliant, is the predominant tissue in the anterior and superior aspects of the joint.

Animals↗

Collagen fiber arrangement of the human shoulder joint capsule--an anatomical study.

The polariscopic examination of isolated shoulder joint capsules shows that the entire capsule does not have a homogeneous collagen structure. Most of the capsule is characterized by regular collagen fibers which cross at an obtuse angle in the area of the musculus supraspinatus and at an acute angle in the area of the m. infraspinatus. The density of the collagen network increases from the medial to the lateral part. Deviating from this basic pattern of the joint capsule, there is a different collagen texture in the area between the m. supraspinatus and the m. subscapularis. This texture has dissociated, rarefied and irregular collagen fibers. This means that the area--in comparison with the remainder of the capsule--is characterized not only by missing reinforcing ligaments but also by a deviating pattern of the collagen fibers. This different collagen structure is already existent in the fetus.

Adult↗

Effects of a carrageenan-induced inflammation in rabbit lumbar facet joint capsule and adjacent tissues.

The effects of experimentally induced inflammation of the lumbar facet joint capsule and adjacent tissues were investigated electrophysiologically and histologically. Type II carrageenan was injected into the receptive fields innervated by identified mechanosensitive afferent units. The multi-unit spontaneous background discharge rate showed increases that consisted of two phases over a time period of 150 min: the first phase (0-30 min) and the second phase (45-150 min). The time course of single units, identified as groups II, III and IV, and silent units, was also investigated. The silent unit discharge rates displayed a gradual increase in the first 15 min and persisted beyond 75 min. Histological examination revealed inflammatory changes in carrageenan injected tissues. In contrast, in isotonic saline injected control experiments there were no changes observed in the electrophysiological or histological studies. This study shows the effects of inflammation in rabbit lumbar facet joint capsule and adjacent tissues. The electrophysiological results show that inflammation of the facet joint and deep back muscles causes (1) increases in multi-unit discharge rate, (2) sensitization to mechanical stimuli and (3) recruitment of previously silent units. Inflammatory changes were also demonstrated histologically.

Animals↗

The ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings in the human knee joint capsule.

The ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings in the human knee joint capsule was studied. Three types of nerve endings were found: free nerve endings (FNE), Ruffini corpuscles and Pacini corpuscles. In the joint capsule, FNE are located below the synovial layer and within the fibrous layer near blood vessels. These nerve terminals derive from myelinated A delta-fibres or from unmyelinated C-fibres. Their structure is almost identical to FNE in human hairy and non-hairy skin. Ruffini corpuscles are present within the fibrous layer and the ligaments of the capsule in three variations: small Ruffini corpuscles without a capsule, small with a connective tissue capsule, and large Ruffini corpuscles with an incomplete perineural capsule. Their afferent axons are myelinated and measure 3-5 micron in diameter. Inside the corpuscle, nerve terminals are anchored in the connective tissue belonging to the fibrous layer or to the ligaments respectively. The presence of an incomplete perineural capsule depends on the structure of the surrounding connective tissue. In ligaments with collagenous fibrils oriented in a parallel fashion, the perineural capsule is well-developed and the Ruffini corpuscle resembles a Golgi tendon organ; in areas where the fibrils show no predominant orientation, Ruffini corpuscles lack a capsule. Small Pacini corpuscles are situated within the fibrous layer near the capsular insertion at the meniscus articularis or at the periost. They consist of one or several inner cores and a perineural capsule of 1-2 layers. Larger Pacini corpuscles with one or several inner cores and a perineural capsule consisting of 20-30 layers are found on the outer surface of the fibrous layer. The ultrastructure of these nerve endings is compared with the ultrastructure of articular receptors of various animals and with the ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings in the skin of several mammalian species including man.

Adult↗

Ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings in monkey (Macaca fascicularis) knee joint capsule.

Ultrastructural studies of sensory endings in monkey posterior medial knee joint capsule were undertaken. Three distinct sensory nerve endings have been identified: free nerve endings, Ruffini corpuscles, and Pacinian corpuscles. The free nerve endings are present in all layers of the joint capsule excluding the synovium. Two types of Ruffini corpuscles have been found in the fibrous layer. The first type is characterized by a thin perineurial capsule, the second type by a thicker perineurial capsule and extensive intra-capsular space. Both types of Ruffini corpuscles are innervated by approximately one to four myelinated axons which lose their sheaths as they course through the corpuscle. They terminate on collagen fiber bundles as distinct swellings with spiny membrane projections that are covered by a thin basal lamina. These terminals contain abundant mitochondria, agranular vesicles, and irregularly arranged neurofilaments and neurotubules. Two types of Pacinian corpuscles were occasionally observed. The first was a small, typically laminated structure with an inner core at the layer between the synovium and the fibrous layer and between the fibrous layer and muscle/ligament; larger Vater-Pacinian corpuscles were noted only at the boundary between the fibrous layer and the muscle/ligament layer.

Animals↗

The course of blood vessels in the hip joint capsule of the dog.

The course and the arrangement of capsular blood vessels in the joint capsule's wall, together with their extracapsular origins, were investigated using cleared specimens that had been injected with Latex, or Technovit, or India-ink in serum. Arteries enter areas of the joint capsule's wall near its femoral as well as coxal attachment. The intramural vascular network is arranged in layers which are assigned to the stratum fibrosum and stratum synoviale, with one or two intermediate, less distinct layers in between. The ramification in the network of the stratum fibrosum is mainly stellate. Circular anastomoses connecting the supplied areas are located in the capsule's periphery. In the stratum synoviale, the vascular network is made of close, elongated meshes in a circular extension.

Animals↗

Histologic, histochemical, and ultrastructural studies of the hip joint capsule and ligamentum teres in congenital dislocation of the hip.

The histology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure were investigated in 12 ligamentum teres and 11 hip joint capsule biopsies obtained at open reduction of 9 patients with congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) and of 2 normal hips. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 months to 4 years and 2 months. In the joint capsule of the dislocated hips, the cells were irregularly distributed, had different shapes, and appeared to be in different stages of functional activity. The collagen fiber bundles were thicker than in the normal capsule, distributed and of varied thickness. The collagen fibrils in the younger patients were thinner than in the normal hip and their diameter increased slightly with age. In the ligamentum teres of the dislocated hips the elastic fibers were thicker and more numerous than in the normal hip, whereas the cells and collagen fibrils showed changes similar to those observed in the capsule. Fibrocartilaginous metaplasia was found in both the capsule and the ligamentum teres in areas compressed by the femoral head. The morphologic and histochemical changes observed in the joint capsule in CDH appeared to be secondary to the mechanical stresses caused by the dislocation.

Cartilage, Articular↗

Non-noxious stimulation of the glenohumeral joint capsule elicits strong inhibition of active shoulder muscles in conscious human subjects.

Information about the function of joint afferents in humans is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the influence of non-noxious electrical stimulation of the glenohumeral joint capsule on the activity of shoulder muscles in conscious human subjects. Stimulation electrodes were inserted in the joint capsule during arthroscopy. Only when the anterior inferior part of the capsule including the glenohumeral ligament was stimulated a strong and rather long latent general inhibition in voluntarily activated shoulder muscles was observed (average latency and duration: 33 ms and 76 ms, respectively). The inhibition was followed by an excitation and a few but inconsistent oscillations in the muscle activity. The results suggests a potent proprioceptive feedback pathway for the motor control of the human shoulder joint. However, further investigations are needed to clarify the involvement of several possible afferent pathways.

Adult↗