Understanding osteoarthritis pain through animal models

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disease worldwide. Chronic pain remains the foremost concern of OA patients and is poorly controlled by available pharmacotherapies. Current preclinical research, which aims to develop analgesics better suited for OA, is largely dependent on animal models and laboratory pain testing. This review summarises commonly used small animal models for studying experimental OA, including their benefits and limitations. Also discussed are a variety of validated methods for studying pain within these models.