Bupivacaine and saline effects on articular cartilage

Isotonic saline solution causes acute inhibition of 35SO4 incorporation into intact articular cartilage slices in vitro, but there is no evidence of ultrastructural damage to chondrocytes following treatment with bupivacaine or saline solution in vivo. Also, there is recovery of 35SO4 incorporation by 1-3 days following in vivo intraarticular administration of bupivacaine in saline solution to young pigs and adult dogs. There does not appear to be any contraindication to the use of intraarticular bupivacaine based on these findings.