T h e effect of overuse and overuse combined with axial peak overloading on the knee joints of living rabbits has been investigated. A specially constructed apparatus was used for this purpose. Phvsical and biochemical changes are reported and include:1. Early and progressive damage to the articular cartilage surface shown 2. The presence of an increased amount of prostaglandin E in the 3. A reduction of cyclic 3'-5' adenosine monophosphate in the sub- 4.Late changes which were consistent with osteoarthritis.These changes were found only in the joints subjected to simultaneous overuse and peak overloading.The results suggest that:by the scanning electron microscope.synovial fluid.chondral hone.1. Cartilage damage and chemical changes in the suhchondral bone are simultaneous and are both responsible for eventual degenerative changes. 2. Frictional overuse alone does not seem to be responsible for the production of osteoarthritis.

An increased prevalence and incidence of LVH on ECG, irrespective cause, is associated with a poor prognosis in very old men and women. Regression of ECG LVH in older people, irrespective of cause, may confer improvement in risk for cardiovascular disease.

The purpose of this investigation was to verify a long-standing clinical observation that patients with fracture of the proximal end of the femur have less evidence of osteoarthritic changes in their hip joints than would have been expected in patients of similar age groups. The radiographs of 342 patients with fractures and those of 157 controls were examined. The statistical results gave uncontroversial evidence that the incidence of osteoarthritic joints was lower in the fracture group. The difference was even greater with severe osteoarthritic changes. This suggests that patients with osteoarthritis have a "better quality" of bone. They are less likely to be suffering from osteoporosis and less liable to fractures of the proximal end of the femur.

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