[Animal models for bone and joint disease. Animal models of immobilization and unloading]

Animal models of immobilization and unloading mimic the situation of lack of mechanical stimulation on the limb. Immobilization or unloading of the hindlimb for one or two weeks rapidly reduces tibial trabecular bone volume by approximately 50% of the baseline level. We should pay attention on the fact that the subsequent results after immobilization or unloading significantly depend on the strains of the mice. Here, we describe the practical technique for preparing animal models and the obtained results concerning the mechanism of bone loss and articular degeneration due to immobilization or unloading.