Femoral Cartilage Thickness In Patients Research Articles

Is seborrheic dermatitis associated with early-stage osteoarthritis?

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and osteoarthritis involve similar factors in their pathogenesis. Both of these diseases are associated with an increased frequency of metabolic syndrome and underlying systemic inflammation. This study evaluated the thickness of the distal femoral cartilage using ultrasonography in patients with SD. The study enrolled 60 patients with SD (19 females and 41 males, mean age: 34.07 ± 12.56 years) and 60 controls matched for age and sex (20 females and 40 males, mean age: 35.08 ± 12.78 years). Ultrasonography was used to measure the distal femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) of the right medial condyle, right lateral condyle, right intercondylar area, left medial condyle, left lateral condyle, and left intercondylar area. FCT values at all points were significantly higher in patients with SD than in the controls (P < .05). Further, all FCT values were significantly higher in patients with moderate SD than in those with mild SD (P < .001). A strong positive correlation was observed between disease severity and FCT measured at right medial condyle (r = .7, P < .001), right lateral condyle (r = .749, P < .001), right intercondylar area (r = .79, P < .001), left medial condyle (r = .624, P < .001), and left intercondylar area (r = .703, P < .001). Further, a moderately positive correlation was observed between disease severity and FCT measured at left lateral condyle (r = .581, P < .001). Increased FCT in patients with SD might be an early indicator of osteoarthritis. However, further studies, especially those evaluating older patients with SD, are required to support our findings.

Evaluation of the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on function, muscle strength, range of motion, pain level, and femoral cartilage thickness in knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled study.

This study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain, range of motion, function, muscle strength, and femoral cartilage thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty patients who were admitted between November 2021 and April 2022 and diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis based on anamnesis, physical examination, and imaging methods were included in the study. The patients observed during the research were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group. Hotpack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), exercise (5days a week for a total of 15 sessions), and HILT (analgesic mode with a power of 10.0 w, energy density of 12 j/cm2, and 2min for every 25 cm2, biostimulant mode with a power of 5.0 W, energy density of 120 j/cm2, and 10min for each 25 cm2; total 9 sessions 3days a week) were applied for 3weeks for the first group, and hot pack, TENS, exercise (5days a week for a total of 15 sessions), and sham laser treatment (0 W total 9 sessions 3days a week) was applied for 3weeks for the second group. The patients were evaluated with the determined scales before the treatment, at the end of the treatment, and at the third month. A goniometer was used to measure joint range of motion measurement, a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index to assess pain and function, Biodex System 3 isokinetic device for knee flexion-extension muscle strength measurement, and ultrasonography to measure femoral cartilage thickness. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS, range of motion, WOMAC, muscle strength, and femoral cartilage thickness measurement between the groups, whether before treatment, after treatment or at the third-month follow-up (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in pain intensity, an increase in flexion range of motion, WOMAC, and femoral cartilage thickness in both groups (p < 0.005). A statistically significant increase was found in the average peak torque flexion muscle strength measurements at isokinetic 60°/s angular velocities in the post-treatment and third-month checkup compared to the pre-treatment analysis in both groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, there was no statistically significant difference between HILT + exercise and placebo laser + exercise observed. However, the exercise program performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist has been shown to be effective in improving all parameters.

The effect of ferritin levels on distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients with beta thalassaemia major.

To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first in the literature to assess distal femoral cartilage thickness and its relationship with ferritin levels in adult patients with beta thalassaemia major (BTM). 45 patients with BTM and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. Ferritin and haemoglobin levels of the patient and healthy groups were determined by blood analysis and distal femoral cartilage thicknesses were measured via ultrasound. Then, the patient group was divided into subgroups according to whether their ferritin levels were below or above 2500µg/L. They were then compared among themselves and with the healthy control group using the available data. Distal femoral cartilage thickness values were statistically significantly lower in the BTM group compared to the healthy control group (p values < 0.001). Patients with a ferritin level below 2500µg/L had statistically significantly higher right and left average distal femoral cartilage thickness values than the patients with a ferritin level above 2500µg/L (p = 0.029 and p = 0.019, respectively). The right and left average distal femoral cartilage thickness values of the patient subgroup with low ferritin levels were statistically similar to the control group (p = 0.146 and p = 0.164, respectively). Our study showed that thalassaemia patients are more likely to develop osteoarthritis (OA) than the normal population and possible OA development can be prevented by keeping the ferritin levels of these patients in the optimum range.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) by ultrasound in patients with knee osteoarthritis and compare them with those of healthy subjects. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study included 44 patients diagnosed with knee OA and 49 healthy subjects. The thickness of the femoral articular cartilage was measured using an L5-18 MHz linear probe. Measurements were taken from both knee joints in three regions: the medial condyle, lateral condyle, and intercondylar area. Our results showed thinner cartilage in OA patients than in the healthy subjects at the three examined locations bilaterally (medial condyle, lateral condyle, intercondylar area). Conclusion: Our study revealed thinner FCT in patients with knee OA than in healthy subjects. Further studies considering the stratification of different stages of OA could yield better results.

Ultrasound Measurement of Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever and its Relation to Amyloidosis and Other Disease Characteristics.

This study aimed to determine femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and healthy individuals and to assess the relationship of FCT with the development of amyloidosis and clinical features. Patients diagnosed with FMF according to the Tel-Hashomer criteria and healthy controls were included in the study. FCT of both knees was measured with a 7-12 MHz linear probe in maximum knee flexion. Three midpoint measurements were obtained from each knee: Lateral femoral condyle (LFC), intercondylar area (ICA), and medial femoral condyle (MFC). The patients' clinic characteristics include disease duration, medications, comorbid conditions, amyloidosis, chronic renal failure (CRF), FMF gene mutation, arthritis, sacroiliitis, PRAS score, and Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form score were recorded. A total of 46 patients with FMF (36 women) and 20 age-sex-body mass index-matched controls (14 women) were enrolled in this study. The patients and controls' mean age were 37±12.9 and 37.5±8.6 years, respectively. Amyloidosis occurred in 7 patients (15.2%), CRF in 3 (6.5%), and knee arthritis in 8 (17%). Disease activity was mild in 55.8%, moderate in 20.9%, and severe in 23.23% of the patients. The mean FCT in millimeter values in the FMF and control groups was as follows: On the right side, LFC 1.9±0.5 and 2±0.52, ICA 2.2±0.77 and 2.25±0.97, and MFC 2±0.47 and 2.25±0.72; on the left side, LFC 1.9±0.4 and 2.05±0.55, ICA 2.25±0.87 and 2.25±0.87, and MFC 1.85±0.5 and 2.25±0.6. Patients with FMF had decreased cartilage thickness at the lateral condyle of both knees (p<0.05) and medial condyle of the left knee (p<0.05) compared with controls. FCT measurements were similar in patients with or without arthritis, amyloidosis, and CRF (p>0.05). FCT scores were not different among the disease activity groups (p>0.05). These findings suggest that patients with FMF have decreased FCT compared with controls, and there is no significant relationship between the FCT and amyloidosis and disease activity.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of femoral cartilage thickness in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Objectives This study aims to determine femoral cartilage thickness using ultrasonography in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Patients and methods A total of 45 patients (16 males, 29 females; mean age: 38.5±9.1 years; range, 24 to 49 years) with the diagnosis of FMF and 31 healthy individuals (6 males, 25 females; mean age: 37.0±8.7 years; range, 25 to 47 years) between January 2016 and July 2016 were included in this study. Clinical data and demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. All FMF cases in the study were in remission with colchicine treatment. The thickness of femoral cartilage in both knees were evaluated using ultrasonography. Three measurements (mid-point) were taken from both knees (at the medial/lateral femoral condyles and intercondylar area). Results Ultrasonographical measurements revealed that cartilage measurements of FMF patients were significantly thinner at both the medial/lateral femoral condyles and intercondylar area on the right knee and at the medial/lateral femoral condyles on the left knee (p<0.001). The cartilage measurements in FMF patients were significantly thinner at the intercondylar area on left knee, compared to those in controls (p=0.023). Conclusion Our study showed decreased femoral cartilage thickness in FMF patients. These findings indicate that even if these patients do not have an attack, they may have subacute and chronic arthritis in their joints, and their femoral cartilage thickness can be affected.

Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis and Its Relation to Vitamin D

Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by different degrees of skin fibrosis and visceral organ involvement. The etiology of SSc remains obscure; the disease appears to be the result of a multistep and multifactorial process, including immune system alterations, under the influence of genetic and exogenous factors. The aim of this work is to study levels of vitamin D in relation to the femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) in patients with SSc and to analyze the associations between the (FCT), vitamin D levels, SSc- disease severity score. Patients and methods This is a cross sectional study which included 40 adult systemic sclerosis patients diagnosed according to ACR/EULAR (2013) classification criteria of systemic sclerosis. Patients were categorized into two groups according to vitamin D sufficiency; Group I: n = 14, sufficient vitamin D (level ≥ 30 ng/ml), Group II: n = 26, insufficient vitamin D (level &amp;lt; 30 ng/ml). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D) were assessed by (ELISA). The thickness of femoral articular cartilage was measured by muscloskeletal ultrasound. Three measurements were taken from each knee: lateral femoral condyle (LFC), femoral intercondylar area (ICA) and medial femoral condyle (MFC). Results The majority of patients (60%) had thin femoral cartilage of knee joint, we found that (35%) of patients had sufficient vitamin D level while (65%) of patients had insufficient vitamin D level. We compared the insufficient vitamin D level group with sufficient vitamin D level group according to femoral cartilage thickness, and concluded that vitamin D level related to femoral cartilage thickness at left medial condylar area and left lateral condyle, meanwhile we found no relation between disease severity and cartilage thickness or vitamin D level. There was significant relation between vitamin D sufficiency and sex of studied patients more in females, also showed significant inverse correlation between parity in females and femoral cartilage thickness at Rt intercondylar area and Rt medial condyle. There was highly significant statistical relation between disease severity grades and proximal muscle weakness among studied patients. Conclusion Vitamin D level has significant relation with femoral cartilage thickness in SSc patients in two of six of measured cartilage areas and proximal muscle weakness was associated with vitamin D insufficiency and disease severity.

Ultrasonographic assessment of femoral cartilage thickness in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis and a potential trigger of inflammatory disease. The effect of Hpylori infection on distal femoral cartilage has yet to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate femoral cartilage thickness in patients with Hpylori infection and to find whether this infection affects femoral cartilage thickness. This cross-sectional study included 199 patients. To measure the thickness of femoral articular cartilage, 99 patients with Hpylori infections and 100 with Hpylori-negative controls were enrolled into two groups. The measurements were made using linear probe ultrasonography with the patients in supine positions and their knees in maximum flexion. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic and laboratory data were collected for all patients. Both the right and left femoral condyles had thinner cartilage thickness in the Hpylori-positive group than in the Hpylori-negative group (P=.016, P=.036). For the intercondylar area and lateral femoral condyles, although the Hpylori-positive patients had thinner femoral cartilage thickness than the Hpylori-negative individuals for both extremities, this finding was not statistically significant (P>.05). Femoral cartilage was thinner in patients with Hpylori than patients without Hpylori for right and left medial femoral condyles. This study suggests that Hpylori infections may affect femoral cartilage thickness and potentially increase the risk of cartilage degeneration.

Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind controlled randomized study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy on pain, functionality, flexion range of motion (FROM), and ultrasonographic cartilage measurement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Forty patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were included in the study. After obtaining written informed consent, patients were randomized into high intensity laser therapy (HILT) + exercise therapy (ET), and placebo laser (PL) + ET groups. Each patient was treated five sessions per week for 2 weeks. The outcomes measured were pain level and functional disability using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively. The femoral cartilage thickness measurement was made ultrasonographically, and FROM was measured with goniometry. Statistically significant improvements were detected in VAS, WOMAC scores, femoral cartilage thickness, and FROM at the end of the treatment (in week 2) compared to the pre-treatment period in both groups (p < 0.05). There were significant decreases in the VAS and WOMAC scores of both groups in the 6th week compared to the pre-treatment period, and the results of the FROM and femur cartilage thickness measurements were increased at statistically significant levels (p < 0.05). The VAS and WOMAC scores were significantly lower in the 6th week in HILT + ET group compared to the PL + ET group (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistically significant increases were detected in the FROM and femur cartilage thickness measurements in HILT + ET group (p < 0.05). HILT + ET combination was more effective in KOA than the PL + ET combination. Key Points • HILT is an effective modality on pain, functional status and FROM in patients with KOA. • HILT is a modality that increases femoral cartilage thickness in patients with KOA.

Factors Affecting the Femoral Cartilage Thickness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to analyze their association with concomitant meniscal surgery, knee muscle strength, kinesophobia, and physical activity level. The demographic characteristics and surgical data of 47 male patients that underwent unilateral ACLR (mean, 27.55 ± 5.63; range, 18-40years) were evaluated. The patients were assessed in three groups depending on surgery: isolatedACLR (n = 15), ACLR + partial medial meniscus resection (ACLR&M) (n = 16), and ACLR + medial meniscus repair (ACLR&MR) (n = 16). The medial (MCCT), intercondylar (ICCT), and lateral (LCCT) femoral cartilage thicknesses on both limbs were measured using ultrasonography. The extensor and flexor muscles strength of the knees was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°/s. The physical activity level was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). The fear of movement was assessed by the Tampa Scale for KinesiophobiaQuestionnaire (TSKQ). The postoperative mean follow-up duration was 32.24 ± 9.17months. MCCT and LCCT were significantly decreased in the ACLR&M group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). MCCT, ICCT and LCCT were significantly decreased in the ACLR&MR group (p = 0.017, p = 0.011, and p = 0.004, respectively). No significant change was found in the ACLR group. Cartilage thickness changes were not significantly correlated with the knee muscle strength, IPAQ, TAS and TSKQ scores in all groups (p > 0.05). The results showed partial meniscectomy and meniscus repair at the time of ACLR as important risk factors for decreased chondral thickness.

The effectiveness of pulsed ultrasound treatment on pain, function, synovial sac thickness and femoral cartilage thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind clinical, controlled study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of therapeutic pulsed ultrasound on pain, function, synovial sac and femoral cartilage in knee osteoarthritis. Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled study Setting: Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Subjects: A total of 96 patients with knee osteoarthritis Interventions: Participants were randomized into two groups; Group I (n = 48, pulsed ultrasound) and Group II (n = 48, sham ultrasound). The sessions were held three times a week for 8 weeks. The study continued for 12 weeks (with 4 weeks follow-up). All participants performed exercises at home for 12 weeks. Main measures: Knee pain (at rest and ADLs) was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Functionality was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire. Femoral cartilage and synovial sac thickness was measured using ultrasonography. All evaluations were performed at the baseline, at the 8 and 12 weeks after baseline. Results: The study was completed with a total of 75 patients (n = 39 in group I and n = 36 in group II). The mean (SD) pain at ADLs score at baseline and week 12 was 7.2 (2.1), with 3.6 (2.9) in the group I, and 6.7 (2.0) and 4.3 (2.2) in the group II, respectively. Both groups presented significant improvements in terms of pain and function (P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups for any parameters. Conclusion: Treatment of pulsed ultrasound has no positive effect on knee pain, function, femoral cartilage and synovial sac thickness in knee osteoarthritis.

Keratoconus: a potential risk factor for osteoarthritis

This study was undertaken to compare the distal femoral cartilage thickness in patients with keratoconus (KC) with that of age- and sex-matched healthy controls, in order to identify a potential risk factor for early osteoarthritis in patients with KC and to allow initiation of early rehabilitation. Thirty-six KC patients between 18 and 35 years of age and 36 healthy controls were included in this study. Keratometry readings (K1, K2), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), iridocorneal angle (ICA), and corneal volumes (CV) were measured using a Sirius imaging system (Costruzioni Strumenti Oftalmici, Italy). Also, the distal femoral cartilage thickness (DFCT) was assessed bilaterally using ultrasound by the same physiatrist. Lateral femoral condyle (LFC), intercondylar area (ICA), medial femoral condyle (MFC), and body mass index (BMI) values were recorded. Patient and control groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, and BMI. On the other hand, patients with KC had a significant reduction in right LFC, MFC thickness and left ICA, MFC as compared to controls (p < 0.05). In the corneal topographic evaluation of the groups, it was observed that K1, K2, CCT, and ACD values differed significantly. Detection of thinner DFCT in KC patients suggests that these patients may be future candidates of osteoarthritis.

Ultrasonographic assessment of femoral cartilage thickness in patients with and without uveitis in Behçet's disease.

The objective for this study is to evaluate the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with/without uveitis in Behçet's disease (BD). Patients with BD aged 18-70years were included. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The thickness of femoral articular cartilage was measured with musculoskeletal ultrasound. Cartilage thickness was measured bilaterally from the central points of medial condyle (MFC), lateral condyle (LFC), and intercondylar area (ICA). 20 patients with uveitis [uveitis (+)] and 20 patients without uveitis [uveitis (-)] were included. Both right and left MFC and LFC had statistically significant thinner cartilage in uveitis (+) group (p < 0.05). For the ICA, uveitis (+) patients had thinner femoral cartilage than uveitis (-) patients; however, in the left side, statistically significance could not be detected. Femoral cartilage was thinner in uveitis (+) patients than in uveitis (-) patients in BD. This relationship between uveitis and femoral cartilage thickness may be helpful in the prevention and early treatment of cartilage degeneration.

Femoral cartilage thickness in patients with systemic sclerosis: It’s relation to vitamin D

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune progressive connective tissue disease characterized by widespread vascular, immune and fi brotic changes of the skin and internal organs. Articular cartilage thickness previously investigated in few. Lower levels of vitamin D have been demonstrated in SSc patients and may be related to more sever disease of longer duration and extensive skin involvement. Aim of this study was to compare the levels of vitamin D and femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) in SSc patients with that of controls and to analyze the associations between the (FCT), vitamin D levels and SSc-disease parameters.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients With Cerebral Palsy

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most disabling syndromes in children. To our knowledge, there has not yet been any reported evaluation by ultrasonography of the effect of CP on distal femoral cartilage. The value of understanding this effect on cartilage is that sonographic evaluation of cartilage thickness may help physicians to predict the joint health of these children. ObjectiveTo determine whether femoral cartilage thickness in patients with CP is different from that in healthy control subjects. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingNational tertiary rehabilitation center. PatientsThe study included 40 patients with diplegic CP (23 male and 17 female) and 51 healthy control subjects (29 male and 22 female). MethodsDemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Cartilage thicknesses were measured. Main Outcome MeasureCartilage thickness measurements were taken from the medial and lateral condyles, and intercondylar areas of both knees. ResultsBoth groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and weight (P > .05). The mean cartilage thickness measurements of the medial condyle and intercondylar area of knees in the CP group were significantly less than those in the healthy control group (all P < .05). There was moderate negative correlation between age and all femoral cartilage thickness measurements in the CP group. There was no correlation between age and femoral cartilage thickness measurements in the healthy group. There was a negative correlation between Gross Motor Functional Classification System levels and cartilage thickness in the CP group. The highest cartilage thickness measurements were detected in level 1 patients, and the lowest measurements were detected in level 5 patients. ConclusionThis study showed that patients with CP have a thinner femoral cartilage than healthy control subjects. Management of patients with CP should include close surveillance. Level of EvidenceIII

Ultrasonographic evaluation of femoral cartilage thickness in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common form of arthritis that may vary from asymmetric oligoarthritis to symmetric polyarthritis and spondyloarthritis. To evaluate femoral cartilage thickness using ultrasonography in patients with PsA. Thirty-three patients (24 female, 9 male) with a diagnosis of PsA and 31 age-, sex- and body mass index-similar healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded, including disease duration, morning stiffness and medications. The femoral cartilage thicknesses of both knees (while held in maximum flexion) were measured with a 7-12 MHz linear probe. Three mid-point measurements were taken from both knees (at the lateral condyle, intercondylar area and medial condyle). Cartilage thicknesses were similar between PsA patients and healthy control subjects. However, there were significant correlations between cartilage thickness and the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score, Bath AS functional index and Bath AS disease activity index scores. Femoral cartilage thickness is similar between PsA patients and healthy controls. The femoral cartilage thickness in PsA patients is associated with disease activity, functional inadequacy, and enthesopathy scores.

Ultrasonographic measurement of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with transfemoral amputation.

To compare the distal femoral cartilage thickness of the non-amputee sides in patients who had unilateral transfemoral amputation with those of healthy subjects by using ultrasound. Thirty transfemoral amputees (27 male, 3 female) and 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included. Functional usage of the prosthesis was evaluated by using Houghton score. The cartilage thickness was measured from the following midpoints; medial femoral condyle (MFC), intercondylar area, and lateral femoral condyle. Thirty patients with unilateral transfemoral amputation (mean age; 38.6 ± 9.5 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age; 38.4 ± 9.4 years) were included. Although femoral cartilage thicknesses were found to be lower for all measurements in the amputees, the difference reached significance only in the MFC (p= 0.031). In the patient group, cartilage thickness values did not correlate with age, duration of amputation, daily walking time, stump length or Houghton score. The distal femoral cartilage thickness seems to be decreased medially on the non-amputee sides of the transfemoral amputees when compared with the healthy subjects. Further studies concerning the follow-up designs, functional parameters and osteoarthritis scales are awaited.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with chronic renal failure

Objective To investigate the effects of chronic renal failure (CRF) on the distal femoral cartilage thickness by using ultrasonography and to determine the relationship between cartilage thickness and certain disease-related parameters. Design Fifty-seven CRF patients (41 male and 16 female) (mean [SD] age, 44.7 [12.1] years) and 60 healthy controls (41 male and 19 female) (mean [SD] age, 43.5 [13.3] years) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Cartilage thickness measurements were taken from the medial and lateral condyles, and intercondylar areas of both knees. Results Groups were similar in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index and gender (all p>0.05). The mean cartilage thickness was found to be less in CRF patients than in controls (statistically significant for medial condyles and intercondylar areas both in right and the left knees [all p<0.05]). Cartilage thickness showed no correlation with eGFR, and with the levels of serum urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, hemoglobin, uric acid and as well as steroid use (all p>0.05) in CRF patients. Conclusion In the light of our findings, we imply that patients with CRF have thinner femoral cartilage than healthy controls. This result may support the view that patients with CRF are at increased risk for developing early knee osteoarthritis. Last but not least, clinicians should be aware of the importance of rehabilitation strategies aimed at decreasing onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis in patients with CRF.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with hypothyroidism.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on femoral cartilage thickness by using ultrasound, which has been found to be useful in the early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Forty patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and 30 age-, gender-, smoking status, physical activity-, and body mass index-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. The thickness of the femoral articular cartilage was measured using a 7- to 12-MHz linear probe. Three mid-point measurements were taken from each knee at the lateral condyle, intercondylar area, and medial condyle. [Results] Age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and physical activity were similar between the groups, but patients with hypothyroidism had thinner femoral cartilage than the healthy controls at all measurement sites. Nonetheless, the differences were not statistically significant (except in the case of the left medial condyle). [Conclusion] Ultrasonographic measurement of femoral cartilage thickness may be useful in the early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis in patients with hypothyroidism.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Distal Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Homozygous Sickle Cell Disease.

To compare the distal femoral cartilage thickness of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) with those of healthy subjects using ultrasonography. The study comprised 30 patients with SCD (16 male, 14 female; mean age, 30.1 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Demographic features and medications of the patients were recorded. With the knees held in maximum flexion, the femoral cartilage thickness was measured bilaterally with a 7- to 12-MHz linear probe. Using ultrasonography, 3 midpoint measurements were taken from both knees: lateral femoral condyle (LFC), intercondylar area (ICA), and medial femoral condyle (MFC). Patients with SCD had thinner femoral cartilage thickness values at LFC (P = 0.004), at MFC (P = 0.000), and ICA (P = 0.002) when compared with those of the healthy subjects. Patients with SCD also had lower Hb levels (P = 0.000) levels. Weak positive correlations were determined between Hemoglobin (Hb) levels and ultrasonographic measurements in the SCD group at MFC (r = 0.331, P = 0.010), and ICA (r = 0.289 , P = 0.025 ). Low levels of Hb seem to affect the femoral cartilage thickness. These preliminary findings of decreased femoral cartilage thickness in SCD patients should be complemented with future studies. The possibility of early knee joint degeneration and eventual osteoarthritis in SCD should be kept in mind.