Radiographic Evidence Of Knee Osteoarthritis Research Articles

Bicycling over a Lifetime Is Associated with Less Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

To evaluate the relationship between a history of bicycling and symptomatic and structural outcomes of knee osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), where we investigated OAI participants with complete data on bicycling, knee pain, and radiographic evidence of knee OA. We used a self-administered questionnaire at the 96-month OAI visit to identify participation in bicycling during four time periods throughout a participant's lifetime (ages 12-18, 19-34, 35-49, and > 50 years old). Using logistic regression, we evaluated the influence of prior bicycling status (any history, history for each time period, number of periods cycling) on three outcomes at the 48-month OAI visit: frequent knee pain, radiographic OA (ROA), and symptomatic radiographic OA (SOA), adjusting for age and gender. 2607 participants were included; 44.2% were male; mean age was 64.3 (SD 9.0) years; body mass index was 28.5 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. The adjusted risk ratio for the outcome of frequent knee pain, ROA, and SOA among those who reported any history of bicycling compared to non-bicyclers was 0.83 (0.73-0.92), 0.91 (0.85-0.98), and 0.79 (0.68-0.90), respectively. We observed a dose-response among those who participated in bicycling during more time periods. People who participated in bicycling had a lower prevalence of frequent knee pain, ROA, and SOA. The benefit appeared cumulative. This study indicates that bicycling may be favorable to knee health and should be encouraged.

The effectiveness of using pulsed electromagnetic fields for osteoarthritis of the knee joint

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of pathology of the musculoskeletal system with significant impairment of motor function, which is one of the main causes of disability in the population.
 AIM: This study was aimed at testing the effectiveness of the portable device "ALMAG+" with pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included patients with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis and persistent pain greater than 40 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The study included daily treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields from the ALMAG+ device for 1 month in 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcome measure was reduction in pain intensity assessed by VAS and WOMAC scales. Secondary outcomes included the 36-item Short Form Medical Outcomes Study version 2 (SF-36 v2) quality of life, pressure pain threshold, and changes in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic use.
 RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study, and 60 completed the study. After 1 month of treatment, pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant reduction in pain VAS and WOMAC scores compared to placebo. In addition, patients receiving pulsed electromagnetic fields improved pain tolerance, which was reflected in changes in pain threshold, and physical condition. We obtained a significant and statistically significant effect of the organized pulsed electromagnetic fields factor on VAS pain scores (F=47.6; p=0.00006); assessments of the severity of pain, joint function and stiffness on the scales of the WOMAC questionnaire also significantly changed under the influence of the pulsed electromagnetic fields factor (F=14.7; p=0.001). 26% of patients in the pulsed electromagnetic fields group discontinued non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic therapy. No adverse events were identified during treatment.
 CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy is effective in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis and also affects pain threshold, stiffness, and physical functioning. In the future, it is desirable to conduct larger studies, including those comparing the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy with standard pharmacological approaches for osteoarthritis.

Modifiable physical and behavioural factors associated with widespread pain in older adults with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis.

To identify modifiable physical and behavioural factors associated with widespread pain (WSP) in older adults with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Cross-sectional initial visit data of participants with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade of ≥2) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative Study were analysed. WSP was defined as pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist, and in the axial skeleton. Time (hrs/d) spent participating in sitting and moderate-strenuous physical activities were calculated from the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire. Physical function was quantified using gait speed and the chair stand test. Restless sleep was assessed using an item on the CES-D Scale. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the strength of the associations between primary exposures and WSP in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Among the 2637 participants (mean age 62.6years, 58.6% female), 16.8% met the criteria for WSP. All primary measures of interest were related to WSP in unadjusted analyses. In adjusted multivariable analysis, slow gait speed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.43; 95% CI 1.01, 2.02), lower chair stand rate (aOR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99), and restless sleep (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.25-2.08) maintained significant associations with WSP. Poor sleep behaviours and low physical function capacity are associated with WSP in adults with radiographic knee OA. These findings highlight the importance of assessing sleep, physical function, and pain distribution in this population. Interventions to improve physical function and sleep behaviours should be investigated as potential strategies to mitigate WSP.

Association of Traumatic Knee Injury With Radiographic Evidence of Knee Osteoarthritis in Military Officers.

The association between knee injury and knee osteoarthritis (OA) is understudied relative to its importance, particularly in younger populations. This study was undertaken to examine the association of knee injury with radiographic features of knee OA in military officers, who have a physically demanding profession and high rates of knee injury. Participants were recruited in 2015-2017 from an existing program that enrolled 6,452 military officers during 2004-2009. Officers with a history of knee ligament or meniscal injuries (n=117 via medical record review) were compared to officers with no history of knee injury (n=143). Bilateral posteroanterior knee radiographs were obtained using a standardized fixed-flexion positioning frame. All images were read for Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade, osteophyte (OST), and joint space narrowing (JSN) scores. Data were analyzed using linear-risk regression models with generalized estimating equations. Injured and noninjured participants were similar (mean age 28 years, mean body mass index 25 kg/m2 , ~40% female). The mean time from first knee injury to imaging among injured participants was 9.2 years. Compared with noninjured knees, greater prevalence of radiographic OA (K/L grade ≥ 2), OST (grade ≥ 1), and JSN (grade ≥ 1) was observed among injured knees, with prevalence differences of +16% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10%, 22%), +29% (95% CI 20%, 38%), and + 17% (95% CI 10%, 24%), respectively. Approximately 1 in 6 officers with prior knee injury progressed to radiographic OA by age 30 years. At the midpoint of a projected 20-year military career, officers with a history of traumatic knee injury have a markedly increased prevalence of knee radiographic OA compared to officers without injury.

The Association Between Severity of Radiographic Knee OA and Recurrent Falls in Middle and Older Aged Adults: The Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most prevalent type of OA and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Falls are a major public health concern in older adults. Our aim was to examine how the severity of radiographic KOA affects recurrent falls in a cohort of middle-aged and older individuals enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. About 3 972 participants, mean age of 63 years, 58% female were included. Participants were divided into 5 mutually exclusive groups based on their worst Kellgren-Lawrence grade of radiographic KOA from annual x-rays from baseline to 36 months. Generalized estimating equations for repeated logistic regression were used to model the association between KOA severity and the likelihood of recurrent falls (≥2 falls/year) over 5 years of follow-up (>36 to 96 months). Older adults (≥age 65) with KOA were at higher odds of recurrent falls in comparison to individuals without KOA in multivariate models (possible OA odds ratio [OR] = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.09-4.52; mild OA OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.34-4.62; unilateral moderate-severe OA OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.47-5.50; bilateral moderate-severe OA OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.13-5.62). Middle-aged adults (aged 45-64) with KOA did not have increased odds of recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA except for possible KOA (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.01-2.78; KOA severity × Age interaction = 0.025). Older adults with radiographic evidence of KOA have an increased likelihood of experiencing recurrent falls in comparison to those without KOA independent of established risk factors. Our results suggest that fall prevention efforts should include older adults with all stages of KOA.

The Effect of Combined Bone Marrow Aspirate, Lipoaspirate, and Platelet Rich Plasma Injections on Pain, Function, and Perceived Change Amongst Individuals with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Owing to a paucity of research on minimally processed orthobiologics, we sought to investi-gate the efficacy of minimally processed bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and fat graft with a leukocyte-rich, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular injection series on pain, function, and global rating of change (GROC) among patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: Thirty-one adults (23 females and 8 males, mean age 67 years) with clinical and radiographic evidence of knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence ≥ 3) were included. During the initial visit, patients were exam-ined and administered the patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) and a numerical pain rating scale ranging from 0 to 10. Patients then underwent procedures to obtain 4–6 mL of PRP, a minimally processed 6 mL fat graft, and 10 mL of BMA. Patients returned twice over 6-week intervals for booster PRP injections. At each follow-up (F1 and F2), the GROC questionnaire and prior outcome measures were completed. Results: Patients returned at an average of 41 days for the second PRP (F1) and 90 days from initial visit for the third PRP injection (F2). Friedman Chi Square analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in pain (best and worst) and PSFS from initial to F1 and F2 (P ≤ 0.001). Post hoc Wilcoxon signed-ranks analysis with Bonferroni correction identified improvement from initial to F1 and F2, as well as F1–F2 for pain, PSFS, and GROC (P ≤ 0.013). Effect sizes ranged from r = 0.32 to 0.51. Change, based on established minimum clinically important differences, indicated pain, GROC, and PSFS met thresholds at F2. Conclusion: A minimally processed fat graft with BMA and a series of three PRP injections improved pain and function among individuals with severe knee OA who were previously recalcitrant to conservative care. Although results indicated significant improvement, clinically important change did not occur until F2. A one-arm design is a limitation of this study.

Relationship between abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance imaging and knee symptoms in early knee osteoarthritis

We investigated the prevalence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and their relationship with knee symptoms in women without radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This cross-sectional cohort study included 359 Japanese women without radiographic evidence of KOA (Kellgren‒Lawrence grade < 2). All participants underwent T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI of their knees. Structural abnormalities (cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions [BMLs], subchondral cysts, bone attrition, osteophytes, meniscal lesions, and synovitis) were scored according to the whole-organ MRI score method. Knee symptoms were evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Participants were divided into early and non-KOA groups based on early KOA classification criteria. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between MRI abnormalities and knee symptoms. Cartilage damage was the most common abnormality (43.5%). The prevalences of cartilage damage, BMLs, subchondral cysts, bone attrition, meniscal lesions, and synovitis were higher in patients with early KOA than in those without. Synovitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.254, P = 0.002) and meniscal lesions (OR 1.479, P = 0.031) were positively associated with the presence of early KOA. Synovitis was most strongly associated with knee pain and might be a therapeutic target in patients with early KOA.

Effect of central sensitization inventory on the number of painful sites and pain severity in a Japanese regional population cohort

BackgroundTo investigate the association between the central sensitization inventory (CSI), a screening tool for central sensitization, and the number of painful sites and the severity of pain in locomotive organs in an epidemiological study in the elderly. MethodsA total of 379 individuals who underwent musculoskeletal disease screening were enrolled in this study. The CSI was used to assess symptoms of central sensitization. The number and location of painful sites and the severity of pain were evaluated using pain mapping and a numerical rating scale (NRS) at 37 sites. We investigated the association between the number of painful sites and CSI score, and the association between the severity of low back pain or knee pain and CSI score. ResultsThere was a positive correlation between CSI score and the number of painful sites. The CSI score was significantly higher in those with significant low back pain than in those without pain, and the high-CSI group tended to have a greater number of painful sites. Comparison of CSI scores between participants with low back pain alone and those with low back pain and posterior lower leg pain showed that the latter group had a significantly higher CSI score than the former group. The CSI score in participants with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis was significantly higher in those with knee pain than in those without pain. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that participants with significant low back pain and a higher number of painful sites are more susceptible to the influence of central sensitization. In addition, CSI score was higher in participants with low back pain and posterior lower leg pain than in those with low back pain alone, suggesting that the spread of pain may be due to central sensitization.

Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Grade 3 Symptomatic Degenerative Meniscal Lesions: A 1-Year Follow-up Prospective Study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as a biologic option to provide symptomatic relief and delay surgery in patients with degenerative joint disease of osteoarthritis (OA). The efficacy of autologous PRP on symptomatic degenerative meniscal lesions (DMLs) has never been investigated. We hypothesized that patients with symptomatic DMLs without OA undergoing autologous PRP injections experience a significant clinical improvement at 12 months. Prospective case series. Level 4. A total of 69 patients with symptomatic DMLs without radiographic evidence of knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grading scale 0-1) received 4 autologous PRP injections once a week. Patients were prospectively evaluated before the injection and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Evaluation was based on Lysholm knee scoring scale (primary outcome), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner activity scale, and visual analogue scale scores. Patients treated with PRP injections demonstrated an improving knee function and symptoms over the duration of the study. A significant improvement from baseline to 12 months was observed in all the outcome measures, and no patients experienced failure or required surgery during the follow-up. Patients younger than 50 years reported lower subjective level of pain and higher Tegner activity scale at baseline and had significantly better Lysholm knee scoring scale (P = 0.03) and WOMAC (P = 0.03) scores at 6 months, as well as better range of motion at 3, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.001). Thirty-three (47.8%) patients were very satisfied, 26 (37.7%) satisfied, 8 (11.6%) partially satisfied, and 2 (2.9 %) not satisfied, with 62 (89.8%) patients willing to repeat the same treatment. No patient was lost to follow-up and no patient experienced adverse reaction, infection, failure, recurrence or underwent further surgery. PRP injections provide short-term benefits in symptomatic DMLs. Although promising results were evident at 12 months, this is a preliminary study and no definitive recommendation can be made based, for example, on longer follow-up. This research supports the use of autologous PRP injections for symptomatic DMLs.

The osteophyte widths of the anterior lesion of tibiaare longer than those of the medial lesion of tibia in elderlies-the bunkyo health study

Purpose: Recently, pathophysiology of early stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been paid particular attention. A population based observational study, in which 710 people aged >50 years of age (62.3 years of age in average) who had no radiographic evidence of knee OA [Kellgren-Lawrence(KL) grade 0] and who underwent MRI of the knee, showed that the prevalence of any abnormality on MRI was 89% overall and osteophytes, but not cartilage damages, were the most common abnormality (74%) among all participants (BMJ 2012).

Osteophyte formation is associated with synovitis in osteoarthritis -Thebunkyo health study

Purpose: The pathophysiology of early stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) has recently become one of the hot topics and has been paid particular attention in this field. A population based observational study, in which 710 people aged >50 years of age (62.3 years of age in average) who had no radiographic evidence of knee OA [Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 0] and underwent MRI of the knee, showed that the prevalence of any abnormality on MRI was 89% overall and osteophytes, but no cartilage lesion, were the most common abnormality (74%) among all participants (BMJ 2012).Osteophytes are formed by a similar process occured in the endochondral ossification and are composed of not only bone part but also cartilage part at their edge.

Can urinary CTX-II be a biomarker for knee osteoarthritis?

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains a diagnostic challenge. Urinary C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (urinary CTX-II) is one of the potential OA biomarkers. However, conclusive evidence regarding the use of this biomarker as a tool for early diagnosis is still lacking. The purposes of this study were to compare urinary CTX-II levels in patients with knee OA and in healthy controls, to evaluate the correlation between urinary CTX-II levels, radiographic severity of OA, and patient-reported outcomes and to evaluate the effect of age and gender on urinary CTX-II levels in the Asian populations.MethodsTwo groups were studied. The OA group included 78 patients with knee OA aged > 40 years who met the diagnostic criteria for knee OA described by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The control group consisted of 51 healthy participants age > 40 years without clinical or radiographic evidence of knee OA. Bilateral knee radiographs were taken and classified according to the Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grading system. Urinary CTX-II was measured using a competitive ELISA test and Western Ontario and Mcmaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was also recorded in all participants.ResultsUrinary CTX-II was significantly higher in the OA group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The severe knee OA group (KL grade 3 and 4) had higher urinary CTX-II levels than mild knee OA group (KL grade 2) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.2). There was a moderate correlation between urinary CTX-II levels and KL grades (r = 0.405, p < 0.001) and a weak correlation between urinary CTX-II levels and WOMAC index scores (r = 0.367, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that urinary CTX-II was independently associated with KL grades. Whereas age, gender, and WOMAC index had no statistically significant influence on the urinary CTX-II levels.ConclusionsPatients with knee OA had higher urinary CTX-II levels than healthy controls. Moreover, levels of urinary CTX-II were independently correlated with radiographic severity of knee OA. Age, gender, and patient-reported outcomes exerted no effect on the urinary CTX-II levels.Level of evidenceDiagnostic Level III.

Symptomatic bone marrow lesions induced by reduced bone mineral density in middle-aged women: a cross-sectional Japanese population study

BackgroundThe etiology of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) without knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and their association with bone fragility are unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between BMLs, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone markers in women without radiographic evidence of KOA.MethodsThis single-center cross-sectional study in a Japanese population included 266 women without radiographic evidence of KOA, which was defined as a Kellgren-Lawrence grade < 2. All participants underwent coronal and sagittal T2-weighted fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging of their right knee. BML severity was scored according to the Whole-Organ MRI Scoring method. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the forearm. Levels of bone markers (bone-alkaline phosphatase [BAP], type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide [PINP], cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen [NTx], and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b [TRACP-5b]), pentosidine, and homocysteine were assessed in the serum. Knee symptoms were evaluated on the basis of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS). Participants were divided into symptomatic knee and asymptomatic knee groups on the basis of their KOOS according to the classification criteria for early KOA. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between BMLs, BMD, and bone markers.ResultsThe prevalence of BML was 35.3%. Age and some bone marker levels (BAP, PINP, NTx, and TRACP-5b) were higher, and all KOOS subscale scores and BMD were lower in participants with BMLs than in those without BMLs. On multiple linear regression analysis, BMD was negatively associated with BMLs (p = 0.014) in participants with symptomatic knees. There was no such association in participants with asymptomatic knees (p = 0.918). Among the bone markers, BAP (p = 0.006) and PINP (p = 0.043) were positively associated with BMLs in participants with symptomatic knees, while BAP (p = 0.038) and TRACP-5b (p = 0.011) were positively associated with BMLs in participants with asymptomatic knees.ConclusionsIn symptomatic Japanese women without radiographic evidence of KOA, BMD is negatively associated and some bone markers are positively associated with BMLs after adjustment for age and BMI. Thus, maintaining systemic bone metabolism could contribute to BML prevention in patients with pre-radiographic KOA.

Improvement in knee osteoarthritis pain and function following bariatric surgery: 5-year follow-up

BackgroundWeight loss through bariatric surgery improves short-term knee pain and symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis. There is little research regarding whether patients maintain symptomatic improvement in long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery. ObjectivesWe hypothesized that bariatric surgery is a reliable method of maintaining weight loss in these patients with continued improvements in knee pain and symptoms at 5-year follow-up compared with baseline. SettingUniversity hospital. MethodsA 5-year prospective observational study was performed in patients with symptoms and radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis who were undergoing bariatric surgery. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis and Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Surveys were administered at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 2 years, and 5 years. Patients who met all inclusion criteria and followed up at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years were included in the study (n = 13). Statistical analysis was performed using Student t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. ResultsPatients on average maintained a percent total weight loss of 22.3% at 5-year follow-up (P < .0001). There was a statistically significant improvement from baseline in all subscales—pain, stiffness, and physical function—as measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. A statistically significant change in pain (P = .0005) and function/activities of daily living (P = .0088) was maintained at 5-year follow-up as measured by the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. ConclusionsBariatric surgery is a reliable method to maintain weight loss, reduce pain and stiffness, and improve function in patients with knee osteoarthritis at 5-year follow-up.

Age but not BMI Predicts Accelerated Progression of KOA: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for about 35% of the arthritis burden among adults. Most adults with KOA have slowly-progressing, common knee osteoarthritis (CKOA); however, some individuals experience accelerated KOA (AKOA), rapid progression to end-stage disease within 48 months. This study analyzed individuals without radiographic evidence of KOA at baseline to determine which (baseline) characteristics were associated with progression to CKOA and/or AKOA status 48 months later.Methods: Data (n = 1,561) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were utilized. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to determine the magnitude of association between baseline risk factors and 48-month KOA status (AKOA and CKOA, compared to no KOA).Results: Older age (p = 0.032), greater baseline BMI (p &lt; 0.001), female gender (p = 0.009), and greater baseline PASE score (p =0.036) were significantly associated with CKOA (11.9% of participants) and/or AKOA (3.5% of participants) at 48 months. Age, BMI, andPASE were all more strongly associated with greater risk of AKOA compared to risk of CKOA (Age: OR = 1.59 vs. 0.97; BMI: OR = 1.62vs. 1.28; PASE: OR = 1.21 vs. 1.08). Of these, only BMI was significantly associated with greater risk of both AKOA and CKOA.Conclusion: Certain factors impact the risk of AKOA and CKOA differently. Age did not increase the risk of CKOA, but among thosewith CKOA or AKOA, the proportion with AKOA increased with age. Thus, older age at onset is associated with more rapid KOA progression.

Age but not BMI Predicts Accelerated Progression of KOA: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Background/Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for about 35% of the arthritis burden among adults. Most adults with KOA have slowly-progressing, common knee osteoarthritis (CKOA); however, some individuals experience accelerated KOA (AKOA), rapid progression to end-stage disease within 48 months. This study analyzed individuals without radiographic evidence of KOA at baseline to determine which (baseline) characteristics were associated with progression to CKOA and/or AKOA status 48 months later. Methods Data (n = 1,561) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were utilized. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to determine the magnitude of association between baseline risk factors and 48-month KOA status (AKOA and CKOA, compared to no KOA). Results Older age (p = 0.032), greater baseline BMI (p &lt; 0.001), female gender (p = 0.009), and greater baseline PASE score (p = 0.036) were significantly associated with CKOA (11.9% of participants) and/or AKOA (3.5% of participants) at 48 months. Age, BMI, and PASE were all more strongly associated with greater risk of AKOA compared to risk of CKOA (Age: OR = 1.59 vs. 0.97; BMI: OR = 1.62 vs. 1.28; PASE: OR = 1.21 vs. 1.08). Of these, only BMI was significantly associated with greater risk of both AKOA and CKOA. Conclusion Certain factors impact the risk of AKOA and CKOA differently. Age did not increase the risk of CKOA, but among those with CKOA or AKOA, the proportion with AKOA increased with age. Thus, older age at onset is associated with more rapid KOA progression. Keywords Age; osteoarthritis; accelerated knee osteoarthritis; common knee osteoarthritis

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and their action in the synovial membranes of patients with painful knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundResearch suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients are positively correlated with KOA severity. The relationship between synovial VEGF levels and pain in human KOA patients is not fully understood, and the role of VEGF in the pain pathway remains unclear.MethodsWe harvested synovial membrane (SM) from 102 patients with radiographic evidence of KOA (unilateral Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grade 2–4) during total knee arthroplasty. Patients scored their pain on a 0 to 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). VEGF levels in the SM of KOA patients with strong/severe (VAS ≥ 6) and mild/moderate pain (VAS < 6) were compared. Correlations between VAS and VEGF mRNA expression were investigated. To investigate a possible mechanism for VEGF-induced pain, the distribution of VEGF and the neuropeptide apelin was determined by immunohistochemical analyses. To investigate the role of VEGF in regulating apelin expression, SM cells were exposed to VEGF.ResultsVEGF expression in the VAS ≥ 6 group was significantly greater than expression in the VAS < 6 group. Expression levels of VEGF were also positively correlated with VAS. VEGF-positive cells were identified in the lining of the SM. Expression of apelin mRNA and protein were significantly elevated in SM cells treated with exogenous VEGF compared to those treated with vehicle.ConclusionSynovial VEGF may be involved in pain pathways in KOA and its action may be mediated by apelin.

Physical activity is associated with changes in knee cartilage microstructure

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between objectively measured physical activity and longitudinal changes in knee cartilage microstructure. We used accelerometry and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, restricting the analysis to men aged 45-60 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-27kg/m2 and no radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis. After computing 4-year changes in mean T2 relaxation time for six femoral cartilage regions and mean daily times spent in the sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity ranges, we performed canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to find a linear combination of times spent in different activity intensity ranges (Activity Index) that was maximally correlated with a linear combination of regional changes in cartilage microstructure (Cartilage Microstructure Index). We used leave-one-out pre-validation to test the robustness of the model on new data. Nineteen subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria. CCA identified an Activity Index and a Cartilage Microstructure Index that were significantly correlated (r=.82, P<.0001 on test data). Higher levels of sedentary time and vigorous activity were associated with greater medial-lateral differences in longitudinal T2 changes, whereas light activity was associated with smaller differences. Physical activity is better associated with an index that contrasts microstructural changes in different cartilage regions than it is with univariate or cumulative changes, likely because this index separates the effect of activity, which is greater in the medial loadbearing region, from that of patient-specific natural aging.

Efficacy and Treatment Response of Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in Patients With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are often used for short-term pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigates the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injections in patients with symptomatic knee OA and factors that affect treatment response. This prospective, multicentered cohort study had 100 participants with radiographic evidence of knee OA enrolled. Participants received one corticosteroid injection into the affected knee and were evaluated before the injection (baseline) and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the injection. Participants' Visual Numeric Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores improved at all time points except for the Visual Numeric Scale score at 6 months, compared with baseline scores (P < 0.001). Participants with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 or 2 OA saw clinical improvement in the WOMAC scores at all time points, compared with the baseline score (P < 0.01). Compared with all other subgroups, obese patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4 OA had significantly worse WOMAC scores at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Our findings validate previously established guidelines for nonsurgical management of knee OA and suggest that intra-articular corticosteroid injections may be an acceptable short-term management option in patients unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment. Obesity and OA severity affect the efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injections. Patients receiving intra-articular corticosteroid injections had improved pain and function. Clinicians should expect less improvement in patients with obesity and/or advanced arthritis. Clinical benefits of intra-articular injections in these patients are less predictable.

Strawberries improve pain symptoms in obese participants with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common form of arthritis is mainly characterized by inflammation, joint pain and cartilage degeneration but without any effective pharmacological cure. Obese are at risk of OA. We have previously reported the effects of dietary berries in improving cardio‐metabolic outcomes in obese adults. To our knowledge no previous reports have examined the effects of berries on OA. Thus, in the present study we examined the hypothesis that strawberries will improve metabolic profiles and symptoms of pain in obese participants with radiographic evidence of knee OA. In a randomized placebo‐controlled crossover trial obese participants [n=17 (Females 13, Males: 4); age: 56±7y; BMI: 39±6 (mean±SD)] were randomized to one of the two groups: strawberry (50g freeze‐dried) or placebo, each for 12 weeks. Blood draws, anthropometric measurements and surveys for pain scores [visual analog scale of pain (VAS) and Measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP)] and quality of life indices [Health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ‐DI)] were administered at screen, 12, 14 (washout) and 26 weeks of the study. We found significant decreases in pain scores (VAS) in the strawberry vs. placebo group at 12 weeks (0.71±0.31 and 0.90±0.47, respectively, p&lt;0.05). While no differences were noted in biochemical profiles, especially, glucose, HbA1c, total‐ and LDL cholesterol and C‐reactive protein, HDL‐cholesterol was significantly lower in the strawberry vs. placebo group at 12 weeks (50±16 and 55±6.5mg/dL, respectively, p&lt;0.05). Thus, strawberry bioactive compounds may help alleviate pain symptoms in knee OA. These findings deserve further investigation in larger trials.Support or Funding InformationCalifornia Strawberry Commission, NIH grant U54GM104938 (OSCTR)