Experimental model of haemophilic arthropathy with high pressure haemarthrosis.

An experimental model of haemophilic arthropathy was developed in 12 growing dogs by anastomosing the popliteal artery to the joint cavity of the knee to produce haemarthrosis under considerable pressure. The dogs were sacrificed at intervals of one to eight weeks and the morphological and radiological changes found in the specimens mimicked those occurring in haemophilic arthropathy. In some of the animals total destruction of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone occurred. The significance of a high pressure haemarthrosis is discussed in relation to the development of changes found in haemophilic arthropathy.