Biochemical confirmation of an experimental osteoarthritis model.

Section of the medial collateral and both cruciate ligaments combined with resection of the medial meniscus in rabbit knees caused instability and during the ensuing six months these knees showed progressive histological changes similar to those of human osteoarthritis. Biochemical analysis of the cartilage from such knee joints demonstrated a decrease in proteoglycan, an increase in acid phosphatase, and increases in the rates of synthesis of protein and glycosaminoglycan. These findings, which are quite consistent with those in human osteoarthritis, suggest that this animal model may be of value in the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of human disease.