Lipoarthrosis was produced in the rabbit by intra-articular injection of autologous lipid into the knee joint. The lipid readily entered the articular cartilage and was found in the chondrocytes of the superficial and transitional zones. This phenomenon was most marked four days after injection of lipid into the joint.
In situ necrosis of chondrocytes was seen more frequently in injected than in control joints. The lipid from the necrotic cells was found in the matrix. The surface of the cartilage was uneven and at times appearances suggesting early fibrillation were seen.