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Acute Ankle Sprain in a Mouse Model: Changes in Knee-Joint Space.
Tricia Hubbard-Turner1, Erik A Wikstrom2, Sophie Guderian3
1Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Journal of Athletic Training
|April 25, 2017
Summary
A single surgically induced ankle sprain in mice led to significant knee joint degeneration. This suggests ankle instability can negatively impact knee biomechanics and function over time.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedics
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- Ankle sprains are the most common orthopaedic injuries.
- Long-term consequences of ankle sprains are not fully understood due to study limitations in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate knee-joint space changes following a surgically induced ankle sprain in a mouse model.
- To investigate the long-term biomechanical effects of ankle instability on the knee joint.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted using 30 male mice.
- Mice underwent surgical procedures: transected calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), transected anterior talofibular ligament/CFL, or sham surgery.
- Knee-joint space was measured using diagnostic ultrasound every 6 weeks post-surgery.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in ipsilateral knee-joint space was observed in mice with surgically induced ankle sprains.
- The most severe joint degeneration occurred in the group with transected anterior talofibular ligament/CFL.
- No significant degeneration was noted in the contralateral knee joint.
Conclusions:
- Surgically induced severe ankle sprains in mice result in increased ipsilateral knee joint degeneration.
- This degeneration may stem from compensatory mechanisms for ankle laxity or altered biomechanics due to instability.
- A single ankle sprain event can substantially impact knee joint function long-term.
