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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
A 3D System for Culturing Human Articular Chondrocytes in Synovial Fluid
Published on: January 31, 2012
In Vitro Effect of Vancomycin on the Viability of Articular Chondrocytes
K Aaron Shaw1, Josef K Eichinger2, Nischal Nadig1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, GA.
Objectives:
To characterize the in vitro toxicity of vancomycin on articular cartilage.
Methods:
Osteochondral samples extracted from fresh, juvenile porcine stifle (knee) joints were exposed to vancomycin saline concentrations of 2, 5, and 10 mg/mL and compared with a saline and nonsaline treated control. Comparison of chondrocyte viability was assessed with histology examination of chondrocyte degeneration using the Mankin criteria and a live/dead staining using ethidium homodimer-2 and calcien acetoxymethylester stain and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Results:
A comparison of chondrocyte viability in the control sample and 2 mg/mL group showed no statistical difference (P = 0.38). The chondrocyte toxicity was statistically significantly higher in both the 5 mg/mL (P = 0.003) and 10 mg/mL (P < 0.001) experimental groups in comparison to the control sample. Chondrocyte death increased in a statistically significant dose-dependent fashion. Histologically, the Mankin scores were higher for the saline-treated group in comparison to the untreated control group.
Conclusions:
Vancomycin is toxic to articular chondrocytes in concentrations of 5 mg/mL and greater. Strategies for controlling concentration must be developed before routine application of topical antibiotics around synovial joints is performed.
Insights
Vancomycin shows toxicity to articular cartilage chondrocytes at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and higher. Further research is needed to control vancomycin concentrations before its use in synovial joints.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Orthopedics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Articular cartilage is vital for joint function.
- Topical antibiotics are increasingly used in orthopedic surgery.
- Understanding vancomycin's effect on cartilage is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro toxicity of vancomycin on articular cartilage chondrocytes.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of vancomycin on chondrocyte viability.
Main Methods:
- Osteochondral samples from porcine stifle joints were used.
- Samples were exposed to varying concentrations of vancomycin (2, 5, 10 mg/mL).
- Chondrocyte viability was assessed using histology (Mankin criteria) and live/dead staining.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in chondrocyte viability at 2 mg/mL vancomycin compared to controls.
- Statistically significant chondrocyte toxicity observed at 5 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL vancomycin.
- Vancomycin demonstrated a dose-dependent toxicity to chondrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin is toxic to articular chondrocytes at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and above.
- Concentration control strategies are necessary for safe topical vancomycin application around synovial joints.
