Abstract
Experiments were performed to assess the diagnostic value of radiography in osteo-arthritis (OA) of the knee joint in C57B1 mice. Comparative histological and radiographic examination of knee joints from 96 animals showed that if the classical diagnostic criteria (narrowing of the joint space, sclerosis of the subchondral bone, deformation of the joint epiphyses) are applied. OA is not readily detectable by radiography. If these criteria are extended to include radiographic changes in the menisci (enlargement, deformation, increased and/or heterogeneous density), the frequency of detection is much improved. However, except in the severst forms of OA, radiography does not afford a satisfactory means of distinguishing between various degrees of severity. The qualitatively evaluated data nevertheless do suggest that quantitative radiographic diagnosis of OA of the murine knee joint may be useful, both for improving the detection rate and for discriminating various degrees of OA.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
A. Pataki, J. R. Ruettner and K. Abt,Age-related and histological changes in the knee-joint cartilage of C57BL mice and their significance for the pathogenesis of osteoarthrosis: 1. Oxidative enzymes. Exp. Cell Biol.48, 329–348 (1980).
R. Silberberg and M. Silberberg,Pathogenesis of osteoarthrosis. Path. Microbiol.27, 447–457 (1964).
R. Silberberg,Wachstum and Alterung des Skeletts. Acta Rheum., Doc. Geigy No 26, Basel, CIBA-GEIGY, Copyright 1971.
L. Sokoloff,Natural history of degenerative joint disease in small laboratory animals: I. Pathologic anatomy of degenerative joint disease in mice. Arch. Path.62, 118–128 (1956).
L. Sokoloff,Natural history of degenerative joint disease in small laboratory animals: II Epiphyseal maturation and osteoarthritis of the knee of mice of inbred strains. Arch. Path.62, 129–135 (1956).
M. Walton,The effect of long-term administration of ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate on osteoarthrosis and heterotopic ossification in the mouse knee joint. Clin. Orthop.155, 218–223 (1981).
G. Wilhelmi,Untersuchungen zur Frage einer prophylaktischen Wirkung von Tribenosid auf die spontane Arthrose der Maus. Z. Rheumatol.36, 112–119 (1977).
M. Walton,Degenerative joint disease in the mouse knee: radiological and morphological observations. J. Pathol.123, 97–107 (1977).
A. Pataki and G. Wilhelmi,Meniscusveränderungen bei der C57BL Maus und ihre Bedeutung für die Pathogenese der spontanen Gonarthrose. Arbeitstagung Experimentelle Rheumatologie, Giessen, 1985, pp. 167–172, Steinkopff Verlag, Darmstadt 1986.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pataki, A., Fries, R., Ochsner, K. et al. Qualitative radiographic diagnosis of osteo-arthritis of the knee joint in the C57BL mouse. Agents and Actions 22, 123–130 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01968827
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01968827