Basic science of intra-articular fractures and posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Intra-articular fractures represent the primary etiologic factor leading to posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The pathomechanisms linking intra-articular fractures to end-stage cartilage destruction are poorly understood. However, fracture-related chondrocyte death has been linked to posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the pathomechanical link between injury and chondrocyte death. This article reviews recent basic scientific progress investigating intraarticular fractures and fracture-related chondrocyte death and dysfunction.