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Lidocaine Exhibits Dose- and Time-Dependent Cytotoxic Effects on Bovine Articular Chondrocytes In Vitro

From the Cartilage Restoration Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

^* Address correspondence to Constance R. Chu, MD, Cartilage Restoration Laboratory, Kaufmann Medical Building, 3471 Fifth Ave, Suite 1010, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (e-mail: chucr{at}upmc.edu).

Background: Intra-articular lidocaine is commonly used.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine whether short-term exposures to 1% and 2% lidocaine are toxic to articular chondrocytes, whether this is due to pH, and whether an intact articular surface is protective.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Fresh bovine articular chondrocytes in alginate bead cultures were treated with 1% or 2% lidocaine or buffered saline (pH 7.4, 7.0, and 5.0) for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. Chondrocytes were then analyzed for viability by flow cytometry 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week later. Bovine osteochondral cores with and without the superficial 1 mm of cartilage removed were submerged in either 0.9% saline (pH 7.4) or in 1% or 2% lidocaine for 30 minutes and assessed for viability using fluorescent microscopy.

Results: Chondrocyte viability decreased after just 15-minute exposures to 1% lidocaine. Longer exposures to 1% and 2% lidocaine further reduced chondrocyte viability. Chondrotoxicity of 2% lidocaine was greater than 1% lidocaine. There was no difference in chondrocyte viability after exposures to saline solutions of pH 7.4, 7.0, or 5.0. An intact articular surface did not affect lidocaine’s chondrotoxic effects.

Conclusion: Results show dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects of lidocaine on bovine articular chondrocytes. Reduction of pH alone did not decrease chondrocyte viability, and the intact articular surface was not protective.

Clinical Relevance: Although lidocaine chondrotoxicity was less than previously reported with bupivacaine, these observations suggest that local anesthetics as a class of drugs may negatively affect articular cartilage.

Key Words: cartilage • lidocaine • cytotoxicity • local anesthetics

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