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The nerve endings of the acetabular labrum
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers confirmed nerve endings in the human acetabular labrum using advanced microscopy. These nerve endings suggest the labrum plays a role in pain and position sensation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Histology
Background:
- The acetabular labrum is a fibrocartilaginous ring crucial for hip joint stability.
- Its sensory innervation has not been fully elucidated, impacting our understanding of hip joint function and pain perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and types of nerve endings within the human acetabular labrum.
- To correlate nerve distribution with labral microstructure, including collagen fiber arrangement.
Main Methods:
- Human acetabular labra (n=23) from fresh cadavers were analyzed.
- Techniques included Suzuki's silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein.
- Light and electron microscopy were employed for detailed examination.
Main Results:
- Ramified free nerve endings were identified in all specimens.
- Sensory nerve end organs, including Vater-Pacini, Golgi-Mazzoni, Ruffini, and articular (Krause) corpuscles, were observed.
- Nerve endings were predominantly found in superficial regions with sparse collagen fibers and also within inner layer collagen bundles.
Conclusions:
- Innervation of the acetabular labrum is confirmed.
- The identified nerve endings suggest a role in nociception (pain) and proprioception (body position sense).
- Further research can explore the clinical implications of labral innervation in hip joint disorders.