Synovial Fluid in joint Patholgy by the Method of Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Despite widespread microcrystalline arthritis, its diagnosis and treatment is still difficulty. The aim of the study was to characterize the crystals of synovial fluid in various pathologies of the knee joint by the method of a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive analysis of spectrum elements using the "INCA Energy" system. Dry smears of synovial fluid obtained during puncture of the knee joint of patients with various forms of arthritis were analysed. In gout, a large number of microcrystals are observed in the synovial fluid, small crystals are located in the center and large along the periphery. Spectral analysis of crystals revealed high Na content. In pyrophosphate arthropathy, a large number of crystals of various sizes are located randomly. Smears spectral analysis showed the presence of calcium in only four out of 18 patients. The largest crystal size (up to 4 microns) was observed in synovial fluid in arthrosis. Crystals spectral analysis showed a greater percentage of Cl and Na. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by conglomerates of small crystals and a high Na content in comparison with other elements. The obtained features of SEM images and spectral analysis of the chemical elements of crystals may be important in the future for differentiating the diagnosis and may become the basis for the development of new diagnostic methods.