Reduction of Passive Extension and Radiographic Evidence of Degenerative Knee Joint Diseases in Cage‐Raised and Free‐Ranging Aged Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The knee joints of aged (⩾ 15 years) rhesus macaques raised and maintained in individual cages were compared with those of formerly free‐ranging monkeys using radiographs and measures of passive joint flexion and extension. Free‐ranging monkeys had a significantly higher prevalence (p < 0.01) and severity (p < 0.0003) of degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis and/or pseudogout) based on radiographic findings and significantly (p < 0.02) more restricted passive knee joint extension than caged animals of the same age.
Funding Information
  • U.S. Public Health Service
  • National Institutes of Health (RR‐01293)
  • Universidad de Puerto Rico