[Proteases and their inhibitors in posttraumatic knee joint effusion].

Humoral aspects are being discussed in development of arthrosis. Punctuate of 144 traumatized knee joints has been investigated. Proteolytic enzymes elastase and cathepsin D were assessed. Furthermore, protease inhibitors alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were determined. Activity of chondrolytic enzymes elastase and cathepsin D clearly correlates with the clinical severity of injuries. At the same time, primary inhibitory mechanisms for compensation seem to be non-sufficient, however.