[Microlesions of articular cartilage as a possible cause for post-traumatic osteoarthritis].

During operative treatment for intraarticular fractures osteochondral fragments were retrieved in 12 cases and sent for histological evaluation. The histology showed microlesions of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. An etiological connection between these histological changes and posttraumatic osteoarthritis is being discussed.