Myofibroblast numbers are elevated in human elbow capsules after trauma.

ABSTRACT: Elbow contractures, a frequent problem after injury, can be treated by excision of the joint capsule. However, the underlying changes in the joint capsule are poorly understood. Based on skin healing work, we examined the hypotheses that myofibroblast numbers and expression of a myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin, are elevated in patients with posttraumatic joint contractures. Anterior capsules were obtained from six patients who had operative release of posttraumatic contractures greater than 5 months after injury and six elbows of organ donors free of contractures. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that myofibroblast numbers and percentage of total cells that were myofibroblasts were significantly elevated in the joint capsules from patients with contractures (326 +/- 61 c

SUBMITTER: Hildebrand KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2950171 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature