Immunohistochemical analysis of mechanoreceptors in transverse acetabular ligament and labrum: a prospective analysis of 35 cases
Abstract
Objective: The labrum and transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) are classically described as distinct anatomical structures with abundant mechanoreceptors and free nerve fibers. They deepen the joint and act as natural barriers against dislocation, thus providing additional stability. We hypothesized that severe coxarthrosis leads to elimination of labrum and TAL mechanoreceptors. This study evaluated the microscopic anatomy of the labrum and TAL and specifically investigated the neurological status of these structures.
Methods: Labral and TAL specimens from 35 consecutive patients with coxarthrosis undergoing total hip arthroplasty were dissected into a total of 4 specimens per hip. Formaldehyde-fixed specimens were evaluated for the presence of mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings by neurofilament protein and S-100 protein immunohistochemistry and microscopy.
Results: Mechanoreceptors were identified in the labral (2.3/high power field) but not TAL specimens, with a sharp delineation between the tissues. In contrast, both labrum and TAL showed good vascularity with abundant free nerve fibers within fibrous connective tissue (mean, 2.6 sensory fibers/high power field vs 3.1/high power field, respectively).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the TAL lacks mechanoreceptors. However, TAL and labrum free nerve fibers suggest potential roles as hip pain generators.
Keywords
References
- Kean WF, Kean R, Buchanan WW. Osteoarthritis: symp- toms, signs and source of pain. Inflammopharmacology 2004;12:3–31.
- 2 Arnoldi CC, Linderholm H, Müssbichler H. Venous en- gorgement and intraosseous hypertension in osteoarthritis of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1972;54:409–21.
- Phillips RS, Bulmer JH, Hoyle G, Davies W. Venous drainage in osteoarthritis of the hip. A study after oste- otomy. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1967;49:301–9.
- Cavalcante ML, Rodrigues CJ, Mattar R Jr. Mechanore- ceptors and nerve endings of the triangular fibrocartilage in the human wrist. J Hand Surg Am 2004;29:432–8.
- Moraes MR, Cavalcante ML, Leite JA, Ferreira FV, Castro AJ, Santana MG. Histomorphometric evaluation of mech- anoreceptors and free nerve endings in human lateral ankle ligaments. Foot Ankle Int 2008;29:87–90.
- Morisawa Y. Morphological study of mechanoreceptors on the coracoacromial ligament. J Orthop Sci 1998;3:102–10.
- Freeman MA, Wyke B. The innervation of the knee joint. An anatomical and histological study in the cat. J Anat 1967;101(Pt 3):505–32.
- Delgado-Baeza E, Utrilla-Mainz V, Contreras-Porta J, Santos-Alvarez I, Martos-Rodríguez A. Mechanorecep- tors in collateral knee ligaments: an animal experiment. Int Orthop 1999;23:168–71.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
August 19, 2015
Submission Date
June 19, 2015
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2015 Volume: 49 Number: 4