Kurzfassung

The post-traumatic joint contracture of the upper extremity is a frequent, clinically relevant problem after dislocations and fractures. The development of a joint contracture results in a restriction of movement in the affected joint with a reduced autonomy and a diminished quality of life. In the capsules of contracted joints increased numbers of myofibroblasts can be detected. These cells stem from fibroblasts and increase their numbers after a tissue injury.Our goal is to reduce or...The post-traumatic joint contracture of the upper extremity is a frequent, clinically relevant problem after dislocations and fractures. The development of a joint contracture results in a restriction of movement in the affected joint with a reduced autonomy and a diminished quality of life. In the capsules of contracted joints increased numbers of myofibroblasts can be detected. These cells stem from fibroblasts and increase their numbers after a tissue injury.Our goal is to reduce or prevent the formation of a post-traumatic joint contracture via pharmacological inhibition of myofibroblasts. Preliminary in-vitro tests have been performed in our center. In a gel-contraction-model, myofibroblasts were embedded in a collagen gel matrix. The contraction of the myofibroblasts led to a measurable contraction of the gel matrix. We established a rat model of traumatic knee joint contracture. The animal experiments with medical prevention of joint contracture are in their initial phase.
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