The Effect of Intra-Articular Magnesium on the Articular Cartilage and Synovium in the Rat Knee Joint

Objective: Magnesium sulfate has been shown to provide analgesia when administered into the knee joints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of intraarticular administration of magnesium sulfate in the rat knee joint. Design: A total of 50 rats were given 0.25ml of magnesium sulfate (10%) by injection into the right knee joint and 0.25ml of 0.9% saline solution by injection into the left knee joint as control. Groups of ten rats were killed by a lethal injection of ketamine on 1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 days after drug administration. All the joints were prepared and sectioned for histopathological examination. Inflammatory changes in the joints were graded according to a five point scale. Results: There was no significant difference in inflammation and cartilage degeneration between control and magnesium groups. Conclusion: We can speculate that magnesium sulfate can be used safely through intraarticular route without any adverse effects.