(Murcia : F. Hernández, 2001) Haywood, L.; Walsh, D.A.
The vasculature of the normal and arthritic
knee is described. The joint contains a number of
different tissues, many of which are heterogeneous and
each with varying degrees of vascularization. In the
normal joint the vasculature is highly organised, some
tissues are highly vascular with well defined vascular
organisation, whilst other tissues are avascular. During
arthritis vascular turnover is increased. This vascular
plasticity leads to redistribution of the vascular bed and
may compromise its functional ability. The normal joint
is able to regulate its blood flow, but this ability may be
compromised by the inflammation and increased
synovial fluid volume that are associated with joint
disease. Growth of the subchondral vasculature into the
articular cartilage may also occur, leading to ossification
of the articular cartilage.