Subchondral bone changes in three different canine models of osteoarthritis

Summary Objective To test the hypothesis that changes in subchondral bone are significantly different among three canine models of osteoarthritis (OA). Design In 21 purpose-bred mongrel dogs, OA was induced in one knee joint via either anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLt; n = 5), medial femoral condylar groove creation (GR; n = 6), or medial meniscal release (MR; n = 5). Five dogs that had sham surgery (SH; n = 5) in one knee joint served as controls. Lameness scoring was performed every 4 weeks. Twelve weeks after surgery, the knee joints were examined by histology and histomorphometry. Results Articular cartilage pathology as determined by Mankin scores was significantly severe in all three OA models compared to SH controls in the medial tibia ( P