| Numerous animal studies to induce osteoarthritic changes and identify the biological and mechanical changes resulting from disease progression have been used. Previous research has presented useful information about the response of articular cartilage to traumatic injury; however there is very little research that permits disease progression without traumatic intervention. For this reason a novel altered joint loading device has been developed to induce uni-compartmental osteoarthritis. The device was developed to apply a varus or adduction moment to the knee of a rabbit specimen in vivo. The device was successful in applying and maintaining the desired moment regardless of configuration. Dynamic loading of the medial compartment of the knee is believed to contribute to the progression of knee osteoarthritis.; To characterize the structure and function of articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone, micro-computed tomography scans and creep indentation experiments were performed on healthy rabbit specimens. |
