Pain assessment in animal models of osteoarthritis

• We review methods for assessing pain in animal models of osteoarthritis.
• An individual's interpretation of pain sensory input impedes objective evaluation.
• Emotional and cognitive components of pain perception affect assessment.

Assessment of pain in animal models of osteoarthritis is integral to interpretation of a model's utility in representing the clinical condition, and enabling accurate translational medicine. Here we describe behavioral pain assessments available for small and large experimental osteoarthritic pain animal models.