Figure 1.

Osteochondral damage during the progression of OA.

Notes: OA subchondral bone is known to be hypomineralized and to show abnormal bone metabolism, resulting in histopathological degeneration of subchondral bone as well as cartilage damage. During progression of OA, the subchondral bone is also damaged as well as the articular cartilage layer. Injuries of either tissue adversely affect the mechanical environment as well as the homeostatic balance of the entire joint, resulting in the development of OA.

Abbreviation: OA, osteoarthritis.