ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the changes in articular cartilage associated with the initiation and progression of most common arthritis, osteoarthritis. Models of osteoarthritis in animals are almost exclusively based on induced osteoarthritis, as, for example, by surgical transection of anterior cruciate ligament, although naturally occurring osteoarthritis models do exist. Osteoarthritis is an interaction of biomechanical factors and biological factors, with both having complex feedback loops that result in initiation and progression of pathology. Many crystal pathologies have strong genetic associations, such as mutations in procollagen type II gene or familial chondrocalcinosis. The chapter describes many changes identified in osteoarthritic joints, especially early changes, are from animal models. It explains current therapies that involve biological products for articular cartilage repair. The chapter discusses non-arthroplasty therapies, divided into nonsurgical and surgical techniques. It discusses surgical transplantation of allogeneic or xenogeneic materials with cartilage immunology, as the outcome of these transplants relies heavily on whether the implant is accepted by the body.
