Effects of intra-articularly administered corticosteroids and salicylates on the surface structure of articular cartilage.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of repeated intra-articular corticosteroid and salicylate injections on the surface structure of articular cartilage in the rabbit, using the scanning electron miscroscope. We have shown that the normal surface of the rabbit's articular cartilage presents shallow depressions and mound-like elevations and that corticosteroid-treated articular cartilage exhibits progressive lesions, including fissuring and fraying. The effects of salicylates require further investigation.