Nivelpinnalla

Nivelpinnalla is a Finnish term used in anatomy and orthopedics to refer to the articular surface of a bone within a synovial joint. The phrase literally means “on the joint surface” and it is employed to describe the cartilaginous and subchondral surfaces that participate in articulation and are covered by articular cartilage. These surfaces are integral to joint congruence, distribute load, and minimize friction through synovial fluid and a specialized collagen matrix.

In practice, nivelpinnalla encompasses the cartilage-covered areas of bones that form joints, such as the femoral condyles and tibial plateau in the knee, the femoral head and acetabulum in the hip, the tibial plafond and talar dome in the ankle, and the glenoid cavity with the humeral head in the shoulder. The quality and geometry of these surfaces determine joint range of motion, stability, and load-bearing capacity.

Clinical relevance arises whennivelpinnalla surfaces suffer damage or degeneration. Focal cartilage defects, chondromalacia, and osteoarthritis often involve changes on these surfaces, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and potential progression to bone changes. Treatment considerations include restoration of cartilage, osteochondral grafts, or joint resurfacing in cases of advanced wear.

Imaging and assessment of nivelpinnalla typically rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for cartilage and soft-tissue detail, computed tomography (CT) for bony architecture, and arthroscopy for direct visualization. The term is mainly used as a location descriptor in Finnish medical literature and is important for planning surgical interventions and evaluating joint surface integrity.