Abstract
A model obtained by excision of the medial meniscus has several features in common with human osteoarthrosis including loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone thickening, marginal osteophyte formation and minimal synovial reaction, all of which progress slowly.
The only feature absent in the rabbit but commonly seen in human disease is the presence of subchondral bone cysts in the weight-bearing areas. The advantages of this model include the reproducibility of the degenerative process, the ready diagnosis by radiography and the minimal disturbance of joint integrity.