Dynamic Subchondral Bone Changes in Murine Models of Osteoarthritis

‘Arthritis’ is a generic term which includes many different rheumatic disease types, all of which are connected with impaired functioning of joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and the leading cause of chronic disability in the Western world. In OA normal functioning of a joint becomes impaired. Movement of the joint is painful and limited, and in advanced disease stages patients may complain of nocturnal or permanent pain. In a diarthrodial joint, the ends of two bones meet, marked by a bony end plate called the subchondral bone plate. To provide frictionless movement, the subchondral bone plate is covered with a smooth surface of articular cartilage. Cartilage also acts as a shock absorber of mechanical forces and distributes the stresses more evenly on the underlying tissues. For joint lubrication, lubricin and hyaluronic acid are produced by the synovium and by the superficial layer of the articular cartilage. Menisci, tendons and ligaments firmly hold the two bones in place, and the surrounding musculature ensures that the bones are able to move with respect to each other. These latter structures also play an important role in shock absorption to protect the joint from excessive mechanical forces.

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