The Assessment of Inflammation, Cartilage Matrix, and Bone Loss in Experimental Monoarticular Arthritis of the Rat

Rheumatic joint disease is commonly treated with nonsteroidal (NSAID) and steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, as well as antirheumatic agents and immunomodulators. These approaches are aimed at reducing the inflammatory processes with the assumption of limiting joint destruction. However, whereas it is clear that these approaches are effective in reducing inflammation and pain, it remains uncertain whether this is translated into an improvement in indices of joint integrity such as bone and cartilage degradation.