The patterns and predictors of knee osteoarthritis pain flares

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the commonest joint disease in the world and is the main reason for activity limitation in adults. Notably, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for most of the global osteoarthritis burden and is especially prevalent in Asia, including Sri Lanka. Although KOA is now much better understood, it is still a disease without a cure and patients suffer profoundly from KOA pain. While it is generally accepted that intermittent KOA pain or knee osteoarthritis pain flares (KOAF) is symptomatic of early KOA, this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Therefore, more insights about the intermittent nature of knee pain can help to develop more effective methods to manage both the pain and progress of the disease.Knee osteoarthritis pain flares, its associated risk factors, and progression are the focus of the research presented in this oration. This research investigated the multiple risk factors and potential predictors of KOAF using data from two cohorts, one in Australia and another in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, a multivariable model was estimated to predict KOAF in the following 30 days. Subsequently, short-term pain evolution in persons with KOA pain fluctuations was examined to identify distinct and disparate pain trajectories, to better understand the evolution of pain in early KOA.This new information helps identify those at high risk of KOAF and has the potential to enhance patient education and resource allocation. Research findings about short-term pain trajectories, in particular, will ensure that patients at the highest risk of pain progression are targeted and treated in a timely manner.