Acetabular development and fate of inverted limbus in rabbits: Experimental observation from an animal model

Using an animal model, we aimed to investigate the effects of an inverted limbus on acetabular development following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We interpositioned the menisci of 5-week-old rabbits (n = 40) into the hip joints to simulate limbus inversion following closed reduction for DDH. The acetabular index (AI) on anteroposterior pelvic radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were used to evaluate acetabular development. Animals were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Histological sections of the acetabular cartilage were stained and scored in accordance with the modified Mankin system. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the ultrastructure of the acetabular cartilage. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling staining was used to evaluate chondrocyte apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were used to examine the expression of type X collagen (Col-X) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) in the acetabular cartilage. AI values increased over a period and were higher in the experimental group than in the sham group. In the experimental group, the acetabular surface had become rough and had split in some cases. Chondrocytes within the acetabular cartilage had become hypertrophic, gradually forming clusters, and taking on an apoptotic appearance. Col-X and MMP-13 expression also increased with time. Our findings suggest that residual limbus inversion following closed reduction for DDH can cause progressive dysplasia of the acetabulum, apoptosis of acetabular chondrocytes, accelerated cartilage degeneration, and even early-stage osteoarthritis.