Osteoarthritic changes in cartilage and subchondral bone

The histological and mechanical properties of cartilage and subchondral bone from OA and normal human femoral heads were compared. There were significant differences between the load bearing and non-load bearing regions in both the OA and normal specimens in percent subchondral bone. No significant differences were observed in the material stiffness of the subchondral or trabecular bone between the OA and normal specimens.