Bone pathology in murine models of inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritides are closely linked to structural bone damage and deterioration of functional capacity in affected individuals. These diseases not only cause local damage but are also associated with systemic bone loss. Several animal models of chronic arthritis have been invented in the past. This review gives a summary on the most commonly used models with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of local and systemic bone damage.