Experimental Osteoarthritis in the Rabbit Knee Joint

The development of arthrotic-like changes following resection of the cruciate ligaments in the knee joint of rabbits has been studied at intervals from 2 weeks to 10 months in 35 animals. Signs of cartilage degeneration were followed by changes in the subchondral bone, where formation of osteophytes and condensation took place. An increased vascular supply was demonstrated by microangiographic and scintigraphic investigations. The uptake of ¹⁸F and '⁹⁹mTc-polyphosphate reached a maximal value about 2 months after the operation and then diminished despite further development of arthrotic changes.