[Changes of articular cartilage in coxarthrosis]

In cases of advanced coxarthrosis indicated for total endoprosthesis [a total of 216 observations made] the most frequent changes included cases of lowering, defibration or even complete abrasion of cartilage in the most exposed segment of the articular head [196x]. Small patches of connective cartilage [133x] were found in the areas of abrasion. There were rare cases of chondrocyte nests as a manifestation of proliferation [25x]. The usual picture of coxarthrosis had exceptions in the form of flatly worn-out surface areas (34X) and pannus (7X). These may have been cases of secondary coxarthrosis accompanying some other, clinically overlooked, underlying process.