GAIT ANALYSIS IN A RAT MODEL OF OSTEOARTHROSIS

Gait analysis has been undertaken in a rat model of osteoarthrosis, in duced by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the left knee. Two weeks after injection, no disturbances were recorded to the velocity of locomotion, the stride length nor the stride, stance, or swing times. However, clear and consistent reductions in the peak vert ical load bearing (P-z) by the affected limb were observed of 22-29% r elative to the other limbs, with the right forelimb taking the major s hare of extra load. This redistribution fitted well with the gait patt ern of the rat, allowing P-z redistribution with minimum gait disturba nce, and was still present 6 weeks later. These results are discussed in the context of the possible load sensitivity of the damage process to the gait pattern of the rat. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.