Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) reduces intra-articular fibrotic adhesion formation in a rat model of arthrofibrosis.
Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar rats (7 months old, weighing 220 –275 g) were randomly and equally assigned to one of two groups: the collagenase group and the control group (n = 12 each). In each group, a partial capsulotomy, and synovectomy were performed in knee. After a partial capsulotomy and synovectomy were performed in each group, the collagenase group received intra-articular CCH of 0.008 mg in 0.1 mL saline solution while the control group received the equal volume of intra-articular saline solution alone. After 6 weeks of surgery, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation, and the following outcome measures were collected. Knee range of motion (ROM) was measured using with a goniometer under 20 g force. Adhesion formation was rated using the macroscopic visual scoring system after the knee joint was exposed through a lateral parapatellar approach. Histological evaluation was performed on samples including connective tissue and fibrotic adhesions, and fibroblast cell numbers were measured performed per square. Levels of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were assayed by ELISA from the intra-articular fluid.
Results: The macroscopic visual scoring system was significantly lower in the collagenasegroup (median = 1, range = 0–2) than in the control group (median = 2, range = 1–3)(< 0.001).ROMwas significantly higher in the collagenase group (102° ± 12.1°) than in the control group (77° ±8.94°) (P <0.001). The number of fibroblasts obtained from the scar tissue were considerably lower in the collagenase group (mean = 16.5 ± 2.74) compared tothe control group (mean = 30.1± 4.89) (P < 0.001). Levels of IL-1 andFGF were significantly lower in the collagenase group (mean = 18.6 ng/l ± 4.39,mean = 36.3 ng/l ± 2.03; respectively) compared to the control group (mean = 31.7ng/l ± 3.75, mean = 38.7 ng/l ± 2.19; respectively) (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Evidence from this study has revealed that CCH injection can inhibit the development ofarthrofibrosis, decreasing the precursor inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and FGF-1) and histologic fibrosis in a rat knee arthrofibrosis model.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study
Cite this article as: Karahan N, Kaya M, Yılmaz B, et al. The effect of collagenase clostridium histolyticum on adhesion reduction in a rat knee arthrofibrosis model. [published online ahead of print, 2021 September 17] Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc; 10.5152/j.aott.2021.20364. 55(5): 385–390..