Effect of normal saline on inflammatory parameters of synovial fluid serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and fibrinogen in horses

Abstract

Introduction: Horses are considered due to their physical strength and athletic
capacity. Due to sports activities, joint diseases are of special importance in this
species and are currently diagnosed with different methods, two methods of
arthroscopy and joint fluid analysis are considered in this study. In arthroscopic
surgery, normal saline in high volume is used to observe the joint space, wash the
joint, and perform therapeutic measures. Normal saline itself dilutes the joint fluid
and remains in the joint in different amounts after arthroscopy, therefore, in this
study, the effect of remaining normal saline on the joint fluid was investigated.
Materials and Methods: For this study, 5 healthy horses that had not previously
had any injection in their carpal joint were selected. In the first step, aspiration of
joint fluid from the intercarpal joint space was performed with full compliance
with sterile conditions. After draining the joint fluid, the same amount of normal
sterile saline was injected into the joint space. In the second step, the joint fluid
after the injection of normal saline was taken again at 10 and 36 hours after the
injection. All samples were transferred to the laboratory.
Results: The results show that the injection of normal saline inside the joint space
has no effect on the acute stage proteins, which included serum amyloid A,
haptoglobin and fibrinogen.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, normal saline can be safely used
to wash the joint or expand it in arthroscopic surgery.