Degenerative osteoarthrosis in aged ICR mice

The tibia of 117 aged ICR mice was examined histologically to provide further information on degenerative osteoarthrosis. Incidence of the lesion became higher in the male older than 480 days of age and in the female older than 450 days. Main gross changes were roughening of the articular surface, narrowing or focal thickening of the articular cartilage, and osteophytes at the margins of the joint. Histology revealed loosening of the matrix, erosion, and marginal osteophytes in the articular cartilage, and sclerotic changes of the subchondral bone.