Abstract

Is there a role for bone tissue in osteoarthritis?

Author(s): Daniel Lajeunesse

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major health burden in our ageing societies. Our comprehension of this complex musculoskeletal disease has shifted from one affecting a single tissue, the articular cartilage, to a whole organ failure that affects different tissues including bone and the synovial membrane. This disease affects more women than men, yet we still do not know the underlying causes of this discrepancy. Indeed, a number of factors are involved in OA pathophysiology and progression. However, in recent years the key role played by the subchondral bone tissue in OA has been underscored, yet mechanisms leading to this still remain unknown. This article explores how bone and, in particular, the subchondral bone tissue is modified in OA, and which mechanisms could be responsible for the alterations observed.