Effect of systemically delivered zoledronic acid on joint damage, nociceptive knee innervation and pain after destabilization of the medial meniscus in mice

Abstract

Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by structural changes such as cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, synovial inflammation, and neurosensory changes. OA structural abnormalities are associated with complex symptoms of pain, stiffness, sleep disturbances and physical disability. Treatments for OA pain are largely inadequate, and Disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) have not yet been approved. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective agents that can halt OA structural damage and relieve pain associated with OA.