Bone histomorphometry in arthritis models

Rodent arthritis models are tools to study joint destruction. This chapter describes methods to prepare and analyze histological sections from inflamed paws. Protocols to create decalcified paraffin-embedded as well as undecalcified plastic-embedded sections are provided. Strengths and limitations of these two histological techniques are described. Major staining techniques on hard tissue sections focusing on the evaluation of joint destruction are indicated. Finally, evaluation of arthritic paw sections by histomorphometry, a semiautomated computerized method to measure areas of interest, is described.