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In order to obtain a reproducible experimental model of osteoarthritis a method of immobilizing the rabbit's knee in extension by means of plastic splint was developed. The right knees of the rabbits were immobilized for periods varying from 4 days to 24 weeks. With the left knees as controls the knees were studied in a variety of ways among these being radiography (126 rabbits), histological sections stained with Alcian Blue (88 rabbits), analysis of 35S-sulphate uptake (22 rabbits) and 35S-autoradiography (6 rabbits). In 27 rabbits the regaining of mobility after immobilization was studied. After 5-6 weeks of immobilization most of the knees showed moderate or severe changes including loss of articular cartlilage and osteophyte formation. Immobilization of the rabbit's knee by this method provokes a fairly easily reproducible type of degenerative joint disease showing similarities to advanced osteoarthritis as seen in humans.

1. By unilateral resection of the posterior ends of the sixth to eleventh ribs including the costal parts of both costo-vertebral joints, progressive scoliosis can regularly be provoked in young rabbits. Rotation of the vertebrae is prominent in the experimental deformity. 2. Although severe progressive scoliosis can be provoked by a surgical procedure we do not yet know the deforming forces which are released by the operation, but the way lies open for accurate studies on these factors. 3. It seems possible that studies on experimental progressive scoliosis may provide us with new methods to counteract or cure scoliosis in children. The goal is a means to reverse the deforming forces during growth so that the child's spine is straight when growth ceases.