Subchondral Bone and Its Role in Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of chronic disability which is becoming more pronounced as the population ages. Various genetic, biologic and mechanical factors contribute to disease process in OA. A large cascade of events leads to breakdown and degeneration of cartilage in a progressive manner ultimately resulting in the damage of the joint including the subchondral bone. Although majority of attention was given to chondral surface of the joint in the past, recently subchondral bone has been taken more and more attention during the investigation of degenerative phase in osteoarthritis. In our review we aimed to review the processes that were taken place during the osteoarthrosis especially in the sub-chondral bone and to give a new point of view for the further investigations.