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Crystal aggregates in articular cartilage as observed in the SEM

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Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy, in conjunction with freeze-fracturing and freeze-drying preparation techniques, was used to characterize the morphology and distribution of crystal deposits foundin situ in the articular cartilage of threepost mortem human knee joints. Energy dispersive analysis and X-ray diffraction were used to analyse the chemical composition of the individual crystals. Results included a unique observation of an aggregate of bow-shaped monosodium urate monohydrate crystals within the mid-zone of the articular cartilage, and two types of a large aggregate of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals distributed throughout the thickness of the cartilage. These results provided evidence of an organized crystal distribution and therefore supported the idea that local growth factors are important.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BAZ 7AY, Bath, UK

    A. Hayes, I. G. Turner & K. A. Powell

  2. Electron Optics Centre, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BAZ 7AY, Bath, UK

    K. A. Powell

  3. Department of Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, UK

    P. A. Dieppe

Authors
  1. A. Hayes
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  2. I. G. Turner
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  3. K. A. Powell
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  4. P. A. Dieppe
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Hayes, A., Turner, I.G., Powell, K.A. et al. Crystal aggregates in articular cartilage as observed in the SEM. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 3, 75–78 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00702948

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00702948

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