The Use of Colchicine in Arthroscopic Wash-Out Fluid in Early Degenerative Arthritis of The Rabbit Knee Joint

The effects of arthroscopic wash-out method with colchicine was studied in early degenerative arthritis of rabbits knee joint induced by sulphurus. Histopathologic changes and PGE2, LTB4 like activities of articular tissue were the main parameters of evaluation in this study. Elevation of the mediator levels and histologic changes induced by the injection of 2% solution of sulphurus were improved following arthroscopic wash-out with solutions containing colchicine and diclofenac sodium. Those findings are taken as an evidence for the therapeutical value of arthroscopic wash-out in the treatment of early degenerative arthritis. In conclusion, early knee joint degenerative arthritis induced by intraarticular injection of sulphurus, both PGE2 and LTB4 activities were increased and closely correlated to the histopathological findings. Intraarticular wash-out with colchicine and diclofenac sodium significantly inhibited the elevated activities of both mediators and improved the regeneration of altered tissue.