Radiological Knee Osteoarthritis Research Articles

Osteoarthritic changes in the knees of recently retired male professional footballers: a pilot study.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is common amongst retired male professional footballers. There is limited understanding with respect to the interplay between imaging findings, clinical presentation and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in retired professional footballers with knee OA. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the extent of radiological and clinical knee OA in a cohort of retired male professional footballers, and to explore the relationship between these findings and knee-related PROMs. Fifteen retired male professional footballers underwent knee radiographs and were surveyed on their history of clinical OA, severe knee injury and previous knee surgery. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PROMIS-GH) were used to assess health outcomes, such as level of function and pain. Radiological knee OA was diagnosed in six out of 15 participants. Seven of the participants had a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. Evidence of clinical and radiological OA was present amongst four participants. Radiological knee OA and clinical OA was significantly associated with a history of severe knee injury and previous knee surgery. Low correlations (ρ<-0.40) were found between knee OA severity and knee-related PROMs. Moderate correlation (ρ=-0.65) was found between clinical knee OA and KOOS-SP. Clinical knee OA correlates with PROMs amongst retired professional footballers but radiological OA does not. Further studies are required to understand the relationship between imaging findings, clinical presentation and PROMs amongst retired professional footballers with knee OA.

Externally validated models for first diagnosis and risk of progression of knee osteoarthritis.

ObjectiveWe develop and externally validate two models for use with radiological knee osteoarthritis. They consist of a diagnostic model for KOA and a prognostic model of time to onset of KOA. Model development and optimisation used data from the Osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) and external validation for both models was by application to data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST).Materials and methodsThe diagnostic model at first presentation comprises subjects in the OAI with and without KOA (n = 2006), modelling with multivariate logistic regression. The prognostic sample involves 5-year follow-up of subjects presenting without clinical KOA (n = 1155), with modelling with Cox regression. In both instances the models used training data sets of n = 1353 and 1002 subjects and optimisation used test data sets of n = 1354 and 1003. The external validation data sets for the diagnostic and prognostic models comprised n = 2006 and n = 1155 subjects respectively.ResultsThe classification performance of the diagnostic model on the test data has an AUC of 0.748 (0.721–0.774) and 0.670 (0.631–0.708) in external validation. The survival model has concordance scores for the OAI test set of 0.74 (0.7325–0.7439) and in external validation 0.72 (0.7190–0.7373). The survival approach stratified the population into two risk cohorts. The separation between the cohorts remains when the model is applied to the validation data.DiscussionThe models produced are interpretable with app interfaces that implement nomograms. The apps may be used for stratification and for patient education over the impact of modifiable risk factors. The externally validated results, by application to data from a substantial prospective observational study, show the robustness of models for likelihood of presenting with KOA at an initial assessment based on risk factors identified by the OAI protocol and stratification of risk for developing KOA in the next five years.ConclusionModelling clinical KOA from OAI data validates well for the MOST data set. Both risk models identified key factors for differentiation of the target population from commonly available variables. With this analysis there is potential to improve clinical management of patients.

POS1477-HPR IS ECO-INTENSITY A PREDICTIVE FACTOR IN DETERMINING THE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS?

BackgroundResearchers are increasingly using echo-intensity (EI) as an index of muscle quality or fatty and fibrous tissue infiltration. EI is moderately associated with muscle strength and/or power and a better predictor of muscle performance than measures of muscle mass. In this regard, ultrasound-derived EI may be a promising skeletal muscle assessment tool for monitoring the progression of physical performance. However, there has been no study that investigated the relationship between muscle EI and physical performance in women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between the physical performance and muscle echo-intensity in women with knee OA.MethodsNinety-six women with radiological and clinical knee OA participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Quadriceps femoris (Rectus Femoris-RF, Vastus Intermedius-VIM, Vastus Medialis-VM, Vastus Lateralis-VL) and hamstring (Biceps Femoris-BF, semitendinosus-STT and semimembranosus-SMM) muscles were evaluated using B-Mode ultrasonography. Ultrasound images were analysed offline using an image analysis software (Image J) program and EI of muscles was determined the same researcher. All patients completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) that is a knee related disorder-specific questionnaire. Physical performance measures included the Five times Sit to Stand test (FTSS), the Twenty-meter Walk Test (20WT), and the Stair Climbing Test (SCT).ResultsThe mean age of patients participating in the study was 58.73±9.42 years. A positive correlation was found between EI of quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles and the total KOOS scores. EI of RF, VIM, VM, VL and BF presented a significant negative correlation with FTSS, 20WT and SCT (Table 1).Table 1.Correlation coefficients between Echo-Intensity of Quadriceps Femoris And Hamstring Muscles and KOOS, Physical Performance Parameters (n = 96)Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score SubscalesEI (au)PainSymptomsFunction in daily livingFunction in Sport and RecreationQuality of LifeRF0.1290.2370.443*0.365*0.186VI0.2200.940.2100.1620.201VL0.0710.1160.444*0.482*0.312VM0.1050,1910.432*0,454*0.112BF0.456*0.227*0.436*0.402*0.502SMM0.0700.2390.0780.0150.357STT0.2240.1790.4560.3120.522Physical Performance ParametersEI (au)Five times Sit to Stand testTwenty-meter Walk TestStair Climbing TestRF0.439*0.454*0.643**VI0.322*0.435*0.432*VL0.444*0.623**0.556**VM0.431*0.584**0,571**BF0.448*0.419*0.433**SMM0.1260.414*0.125STT0.1450.315*0.319**EI, Echo-intensity; au, Arbitrary Unit; RF, Rectus femoris; VIM, Vastus Intermedius; VM, Vastus Medialis; VL, Vastus Lateralis; BF, Biceps Femoris; STT, Semitendinosus; SMM, Semimembranosus; *P &lt; 0.05; **P &lt; 0.001ConclusionWe concluded that muscle EI may be an important predictor of functional performance in women with knee OA.

Thirty second chair stand test: Test–retest reliability, agreement and minimum detectable change in people with early‐stage knee osteoarthritis

Background and PurposeTo determine intra‐session test‐retest reliability, agreement and minimum detectable change (MDC) of the 30 CST across three tests in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA test–retest reliability study was performed with 93 people with mild radiological knee OA. Participants were asked to complete three attempts of the 30 CST 1–2 min apart according to a standardised protocol. Participants completed three attempts on two occasions: baseline and 6 months later. Change between tests within each session was assessed with ANOVA's and post‐hoc t‐tests. Reliability was assessed with intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC[2,1]). Measurement error was expressed as MDC for an individual (MDCind) and a group (MDCgroup). Floor effects were considered present if more than 15% of participants scored zero for a test.ResultsScores increased by 0.5 and 0.8 stands between the first and second test (p < 0.05) at the baseline and 6‐month assessments respectively, and then stabilised between the second the third tests at the baseline assessment (p > 0.05) or decreased (0.3 stands) at the 6‐month assessment (p < 0.05). Scores demonstrated excellent reliability (ICCs >0.9). MDCind was approximately 2.5 stands and MDCgroup was 0.3–0.4 stands. No floor effects were apparent.DiscussionThe 30CST demonstrated a practice effect between the first and second tests, which was no longer apparent by the third test. Despite this, scores demonstrated excellent intra‐session reliability. MDC estimates provide clinicians and researchers with the smallest change that can be detected by the instrument beyond measurement error for individuals and groups in community‐dwelling adults with knee OA.

Anterior cruciate ligament innervation in primary knee osteoarthritis.

To relate the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) innervation and histologic degeneration status to the knee osteoarthritis radiologic and functional status. Prospective observational study including 30 consecutive patients affected by primary knee osteoarthritis undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). All patients suffering secondary knee osteoarthritis, an antecedent of an infectious process, malignant process, autoimmune disorder, or previous knee surgery were excluded. We recorded biodemographic, clinical, and radiologic variables of all participants previous to the TKA procedure. ACL tissue was harvested during TKA standard procedure and the obtained sample was fixed in 4% formalin and paraffin-embedded. ACL cross-sections were stained by haematoxylin-eosin and Gallego staining for elastic and collagen fibers, and Sevier-Munger silver staining for nervous tissue. ACL samples histologic degeneration classification reported 15.4% normal, 23.1% slight, 26.9% mild, 11.5% moderate and 23.1% marked. We noted 46.2% large nervous fascicles, 15.4% medium fascicles, 3.8% small fascicles, and no nerve fibers were found in 34.6% ACL samples. No significant correlation was found between the histologic degeneration and the nervous fiber quantification (p>0.05, in all cases). We noted a significant histologic degeneration inverse correlation with the VAS scale (p=0.016), and nervous fiber quantification correlation with Lequesne maximum distance walked punctuation (p=0.043). We also noted greater nervous fiber quantification with minor radiological knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II). ACL degeneration and innervation deficit may play a role in primary knee osteoarthritis onset, but the lack of a defining relationship among the different parameters assessed justifies further research in greater populations.

Association between hip and knee osteoarthritis with falls: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To examine the association between hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) and falls. Potentially relevant articles that examine the association between hip, knee, radiological, and self-reported OA and falls were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science up until March of 2020. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) as well as their related 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistic and subgroup analyses were performed. A total of 21 studies involving 146965 participants were included. No association was found between hip OA and falls. The pooled RRs value suggested a higher prevalence of falls in knee OA patients (RR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.51, P<.00001) and self-reported OA (RR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.45, P<.00001) than in non-OA subjects. The pooled RR value suggested no difference between prevalence of falls in radiological OA patients compared to non-OA subjects (RR=1.82, 95% CI: 0.89 to 3.73, P=.10). Both radiological and self-reported knee OA seem to be positively associated with falls, while no obvious association was found between hip OA and falls. Therefore, knee OA is a risk factor for falls which should be closely monitored.

Threshold for lateral meniscal body extrusion on MRI in middle-aged and elderly patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis

PurposeTo determine the MRI-based threshold of lateral meniscal body extrusion (LMBE) that are associated with meniscal damage, cartilage damage and radiological knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and methodsA total of 142 patients (59 men and 83 women) with a mean age of 57.2±7.9 (SD) years (range: 41–77 years) with symptomatic knee OA were included. Radiological assessment was performed using the Kellgren-Lawrence scoring system. Meniscus and cartilage damage were assessed using the whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging score. Meniscal extrusion was quantified on coronal sections of intermediate-weighted MRI sequences. Differences between medial and lateral compartments in meniscal extrusion and incidence of tibiofemoral OA-related structural changes were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Bowker test. Receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden index were used for determining thresholds for meniscal extrusion. ResultsA total of 142 knees were assessed. Meniscal body extrusion distances between medial and lateral compartments were significantly different in the entire sample, and in subjects with and without radiological knee OA (P<0.05 for all). The incidence of structural changes between medial and lateral compartments were significantly different (P=0.003 for meniscal damage; P=0.001 for femoral cartilage damage). Three mm and 2mm were determined to be the optimal thresholds for medial and lateral meniscal body extrusion, respectively. ConclusionMedial and lateral meniscal body extrusion were associated with the incidence of OA-related knee structural changes in symptomatic patients with knee OA. A threshold of 2mm for LMBE with respect to meniscal damage, cartilage damage and radiological knee OA was determined.

O05 How does radiographic knee OA impact musculoskeletal aging in midlife? Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort study

Abstract Background With an aging population, the burden of musculoskeletal aging in joints, bones and muscles carries with it significant morbidity. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint condition, and can be defined clinically or radiologically. Musculoskeletal aging in bone and muscle can be assessed through change in body composition, grip strength and physical performance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a diagnosis of radiological knee OA impacted involution in muscle or bone in the midlife in a group of community-dwelling older adults in the UK. Methods Our study comprised 220 members of the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (118 males and 102 females), a group of community dwelling older adults in the United Kingdom. Knee radiographs were performed at baseline (1999-2003), with osteoarthritis defined as a Kellgren and Lawrence score ≥2. At baseline and follow-up (2017) questionnaires assessed physical activity and lifestyle factors; JAMAR dynamometry was performed to assess grip strength; 8 foot walk test was performed to assess gait speed and DXA was performed to assess bone mineral density at the hips and body composition. Linear regression was performed to analyse associations in males and females, before and after adjustment for follow-up time, lifestyle factors (including smoking, alcohol consumption, social class, calcium intake and physical activity), anthropometric measures (BMI) and HRT use and age at menopause in women. The development of hand osteoarthritis was adjusted for grip strength outcomes. Results The mean age of participants at baseline was 65.0 years. Median follow-up was 16.7 years (range 15.0-18.4 years). Knee osteoarthritis was present in 75 (34%) participants. Radiographic knee osteoarthritis status at baseline was significantly associated with grip strength (β=-3.2kg, -5.3 to -1.1, p &amp;lt; 0.01) at follow-up in females but not in males (β=-2.9, -5.8 to 0.1, p = 0.06). No significant associations between radiographic osteoarthritis status at baseline and other measures of sarcopenia (gait speed or lean mass) or bone mineral density were found in either sex. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that the presence of knee osteoarthritis in midlife can have a substantial bearing on grip strength in women over 15 years later independent of the presence of hand osteoarthritis. Grip strength has been shown to correlate closely with lower limb strength and so the demonstrated association between grip strength and knee osteoarthritis is representative of a global weakness resulting from the disease. Reduction in grip strength has been associated with an increased risk of morbidity including falls and fractures. Thus, in order to countermand this association, it may be that concerted interventions (including physical therapy, strengthening and surgical intervention) should be recommended for those with knee osteoarthritis at this stage in the lifecourse. Of course, these findings require replication and validation in other cohorts. Disclosures N.R. Fuggle None. M. Clynes None. F. Laskou None. K. Jameson None. C. Cooper None. E. Dennison None.

Association of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) with Muscle Strength in Community-Dwelling Elderly with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between muscle strength and knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, and functional limitation) regardless of the presence of radiologic knee osteoarthritis (RKOA) in community-dwelling elderly. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the Namgaram-2 cohort. The Namgaram-2 cohort consisted of participants living in three rural communities. Such participants were included for studies on activity limitation due to age-related musculoskeletal disorders including knee osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), a health assessment tool for patients with arthritis in lower extremities, was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Muscle strengths were measured by knee strength (by using the isokinetic dynamometer) and hand grip strength. Results: The WOMAC pain of Kallgren–Lawrence (K/L) grade < 2 was correlated with age, grip strength, nutrition status, and knee extension 180 peak torque. The WOMAC pain of K/L grade ≥ 2 was correlated with age, nutrition status, and knee extension 60 peak torque. The WOMAC stiffness of K/L grade < 2 was correlated with having a spouse, nutrition status, and knee extension 60 peak torque. The WOMAC stiffness of K/L grade ≥ 2 was correlated with knee extension 60 peak torque. The WOMAC function of K/L grade < 2 was correlated with age, grip strength, osteoporosis, nutrition status, and knee extension 180 peak torque. The WOMAC function of K/L grade ≥ 2 was correlated with age, nutrition status, and knee extension 60 peak torque. Conclusion: Muscle strength as measured by grip strength and knee extension was statistically significantly correlated with the WOMAC scores in patients with knee symptoms regardless of whether radiologic signs of knee osteoarthritis were observed.

DNA methyltransferase genes polymorphisms are associated with primary knee osteoarthritis: a matched case-control study.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism involved in the development of primary osteoarthritis (OA). The association between DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) genes polymorphisms and diseases in which DNA methylation plays a role in their pathogenesis has been described (e.g., cancer); however, its relationship with OA has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B polymorphisms with radiologic primary knee OA in Mexican mestizo population. A matched case-control study was conducted (ratio, 1:1). Cases included 244 subjects with definite radiographic knee OA (grade ≥ 2). Controls were matched by age and gender and were subjects with no definite radiographic knee OA/normal (grade < 2). The DNMTs polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. Conditional logistic regression was carried out, and the genetic association was tested under co-dominant, dominant, and recessive inheritance models. Haplotypes for DNMT1 polymorphisms were constructed and their associations were also tested. The CC genotypes of rs2228611 and rs2228612 of DNMT1 were associated with a lower risk for primary knee OA under a co-dominant and a recessive model [OR (95% CI) 0.4 (0.2-0.8)/0.5 (0.3-0.8)and 0.3 (0.1-0.8)/0.3 (0.1-0.7), respectively]. The CT haplotype of DNMT1 polymorphisms was associated with a lower risk [OR (95% CI) 0.71 (0.51-0.97)]. The CC genotype of rs2424913 of DNMT3B was associated with an increased risk under a co-dominant and a dominant model [OR (95% CI) 3.0 (1.1-8.0), and 1.6 (1.1-2.4), respectively]. Our results show that DNMTs polymorphisms are associated with primary knee OA.

Radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis and its relationship to outcome post total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Up to 20% of patients are dissatisfied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There are many contributing factors. The relationship between preoperative osteoarthritis (OA) severity and outcome post TKA remains unclear. This review explores the relationship between preoperative OA severity with patient reported pain, function and satisfaction post TKA. A pre-registered systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Major databases were searched until September 2017. We included studies assessing adults undergoing TKA for OA. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. Methodological quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty cohort studies with 7478 patients were included. There were 16 good, one fair and three poor quality studies. Knee OA was most commonly reported according to the Kellgren and Lawrence tool. Ten studies showed statistically significant pain outcomes for those with worse preoperative OA. This was supported by meta-analysis of the Knee Society Score pain change scores to final follow-up for those with Kellgren and Lawrence grade 4 OA. Six studies showed statistically significant results for various aspect of functional recovery, although meta-analysis of Knee Society Score function change scores identified no difference. Meta-analysis of final follow-up pain and function scores alone yielded no significant difference. Patients with more severe preoperative OA were more likely to be satisfied. There were no studies demonstrating that less severe OA resulted in better pain, function or satisfaction. Review of available research indicates that TKA for OA improves pain, function and satisfaction. Those with more severe preoperative radiological knee OA benefit most.

The Association between Frailty and Disability among the Elderly in Rural Areas of Korea.

Background: The rapid increase in the elderly population in Korea is associated with an expanded burden of health problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between frailty and physical disability among Koreans using the frailty index, which was developed to assess health conditions in elderly people. Methods: We included 503 elderly people from the Namgaram-II cohort. We used the Korean version of the Kaigo-Yobo checklist as our frailty assessment tool. For the disability assessment tool, we used the Korean version of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-12). We fit multiple linear regression models for men and women for each section. Our models also included variables for musculoskeletal diseases that are known to be associated with frailty, such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and radiologic knee osteoarthritis. Results: After correcting for social demographic characteristics, blood profiles, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the Kaigo-Yobo results showed a significant difference in frailty between men (1.53 ± 0.74) and women (2.60 ± 0.77), and WHODAS-12 also showed a significant difference between men (6.59 ± 5.08) and women (15.99 ± 5.70). After correcting for social demographic characteristics, blood profiles, high blood pressure, and diabetes, Kaigo-Yobo and WHODAS-12 were significantly associated with each other among both men (β = 2.667) and women (β = 3.200) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study results show an association between frailty and disability among elderly people in rural areas. Therefore, prevention should occur at the pre-frailty stage of a person’s life to prevent further disability. Also, disability welfare programs should be provided to elderly people who present with frailty.

Obesity Influences the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to report the outcome of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 35. Methods This is a prospective cohort study, including patients referred with the aim of planning bariatric surgery between October 2015 and January 2017. The primary outcome measurement was KOOS. An experienced radiologist obtained and evaluated standard radiological osteoarthritis examinations of the knee joints. Results The mean age was 43.1 years, and ages ranged from 24 to 69 years. The mean BMI was 48.3, and BMI ranged from 35 to 66. Results show that obese patients reported significantly worse in the KOOS subscales pain, activities of daily living, sport, and quality of life (QOL) compared with a reference population, due to nonoverlapping 95% confidence intervals. No significant differences between obese and superobese patients were observed on the KOOS subscales ( p > 0.08). The KOOS subscales showed worse outcome with increasing severity of radiological knee osteoarthritis; however, only significant differences were observed for the KOOS subscales sport and QOL ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Results imply that the KOOS scores vary significantly with obesity. When utilizing KOOS outcome, considering obesity in the interpretation of outcome is highly recommended. Level of Evidence This is an observational, level III study.

C-Terminal Cross-Linked Telopeptides of Type II Collagen as Biomarker for Radiological Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis.

C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) are one of the most frequently assessed markers for osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis. The aim of this meta-analysis was to confirm the diagnostic value of urinary CTX-II in knee OA. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE were searched for studies measured urinary CTX-II in patients with knee OA and in healthy controls. Urinary CTX-II levels were compared between knee OA patients and controls. Differences between groups were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) when individual outcomes were measured with different scales. Otherwise, outcomes were presented as mean differences (MD). Subgroup analyses were also conducted to compare efficiency of urinary CTX-II between Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification, genders, ethnicities, and study size. Thirteen studies involved a total of 2856 participants were included. Pooled SMD showed that urinary CTX-II levels were significantly elevated in knee OA group compared to controls (SMD 0.82; 95% CI 0.41-1.24; P < 0.0001). For KL 3 to 4 versus KL 2, higher urinary CTX-II levels were found in severe knee OA patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that urinary CTX-II performed better in females as compared with males and in European subjects as compared with Asian population. Also, study size did not influence the statistic results. This is the largest scale meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic performance of urinary CTX-II levels as biomarker for knee OA. According to our findings, urinary CTX-II levels have a potential to distinguish knee OA patients from healthy controls which can serve as biomarker for knee OA.

The Role of Preoperative Radiologic Severity, Sensory Testing, and Temporal Summation on Chronic Postoperative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can be associated with local and central sensitization. As an indicator of the central gain, facilitated temporal summation of pain (TSP) has been found in KOA patients. This facilitation is predictive of the development of chronic postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Other studies have suggested hypoesthesia/hypoalgesia to thermal stimuli as a feature in KOA. This study investigated associations between preoperative TSP, thermal sensitivity, and radiologic severity for the development of chronic postoperative pain after TKA. Radiologic KOA (Kellgren and Lawrence), TSP, and thermal stimuli were collected, preoperatively. Clinical knee pain intensity (VAS 0-10) was assessed before and 12 months following TKA. Patients were categorized into a chronic postoperative pain group if they experienced <30% pain reduction of the initial pain after 12 months. In total, 19% of the patients were categorized as chronic pain patients and presented facilitated preoperative TSP (P<0.05) and a trend towards increased heat pain threshold (P=0.077) compared with patients with normal recovery. Pearson correlations found that preoperative TSP (R=0.193; P=0.013), Kellgren and Lawrence (R=-0.168; P=0.027), warm detection threshold (R=0.195; P=0.012), and heat pain threshold (R=0.196; P=0.012) were associated with pain intensity 12 months after TKA where TSP was identified as an independent factor. This study showed that preoperatively facilitated TSP in KOA patients was predictive of the development of chronic postoperative pain following TKA. Furthermore, this study is the first to find an association between preoperative hypoalgesia to heat and the development of chronic postoperative pain following TKA.

Twenty-Year Follow-up Study Comparing Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in High-Level Athletes

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has major consequences at midterm follow-up, with an increasing chance of developing an old knee in a young patient. The long-term (≥20 years) effects of the operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures are still unclear. Purpose: To compare the long-term treatment outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures in high-level athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Fifty patients with an ACL rupture were eligible for participation, and they were treated either nonoperatively (n = 25) in 1992, consisting of structured rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, or operatively (n = 25) between 1994 and 1996 with an arthroscopic transtibial bone–patellar tendon–bone technique. The patients in the nonoperative group were drawn from those who responded well to 3 months of nonoperative treatment, whereas the patients in the operative group were drawn from those who had persistent instability after 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Both groups were pair-matched and assessed at 10- and 20-year follow-up regarding radiological knee osteoarthritis, functional outcomes (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), meniscal status, and knee stability (KT-1000 arthrometer, pivot-shift test, Lachman test, 1-legged hop test). Results: All 50 patients (100%) were included in the current study for follow-up. After 20 years, we found knee osteoarthritis in 80% of the operative group compared with 68% of the nonoperative group (P = .508). There was no difference between groups regarding functional outcomes and meniscectomy performed. The median IKDC subjective score was 81.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 59.8-89.1) for the operative group and 78.2 (IQR, 61.5-92.0) for the nonoperative group (P = .679). Regarding the IKDC objective score, 21 patients (84%) in the operative group had a normal or near normal score (A and B) compared with 5 patients (20%) in the nonoperative group (P < .001). The pivot-shift test finding was negative in 17 patients (68%) versus 3 patients (13%) for the operative and nonoperative groups, respectively (P < .001), and the Lachman test finding was negative in 12 patients (48%) versus 1 patient (4%), respectively (P = .002). Conclusion: In this retrospective pair-matched follow-up study, we found that after 20-year follow-up, there was no difference in knee osteoarthritis between operative versus nonoperative treatment when treatment was allocated on the basis of a patient’s response to 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Although knee stability was better in the operative group, it did not result in better subjective and objective functional outcomes.

Statin use and knee osteoarthritis progression: Results from a post-hoc analysis of the SEKOIA trial

ObjectiveEpidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that lipid disorders might be involved in the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Studies assessing the effect of statins on knee OA progression have shown conflicting results. We investigated the impact of statin use on radiological progression in patients with radiological and symptomatic knee OA. MethodsIn total, 336 patients from the placebo arm of SEKOIA trial completed the 3-year follow-up and were included in this post-hoc analysis. Statin use was recorded at baseline interview. Minimal medial tibiofemoral joint space was measured on plain radiographs by an automated method at baseline and then annually. Radiologic progression was defined as joint space narrowing≥0.5mm over 3 years. ResultsOverall, 71 patients were statin users (21.1%). They had a higher BMI (31.1±5.3 vs. 29.3±5.2kg/m2, P=0.008), a higher sum of metabolic factors (≥3 factors: 43.7% vs 7.2%; P for trend<0.001) and a higher rate of radiological progression (49.3% vs. 32.1%, P=0.007) as compared to statin non-users. The significant association between radiological progression and statin use was independent of age, gender, WOMAC global score, disease duration, baseline joint space width, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity (BMI>30kg/m2) and cardiovascular diseases [relative risk 1.49 (95% CI: 1.10–2.02), P=0.010]. ConclusionAmong patients with knee OA, statin use was associated with radiological worsening over 3 years, regardless of other potential confounding factors (obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, disease duration, symptom intensity and radiological severity).

Baseline meniscal extrusion associated with incident knee osteoarthritis after 30 months in overweight and obese women.

To investigate the association between baseline meniscal extrusion and the incidence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) after 30 months in a high-risk population of overweight and obese women, free of clinical and radiological KOA at baseline. 407 middle-aged overweight women (body mass index - BMI≥27kg/m2) were evaluated at baseline and after 30 months of follow-up. Meniscal extrusion was defined as grade ≥2 on MRI according to MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS). The primary outcome measure was KOA after 30 months follow-up, defined using the following criteria: either incidence of radiographic KOA (Kellgren & Lawrence grade 2 or higher), or clinical osteoarthritis (OA) according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria, or medial or lateral joint space narrowing (JSN) of ≥1.0mm. Using generalized estimating equations (GEE), we determined the association between knees with and without meniscal extrusion and both outcomes, corrected for the baseline differences. 640 knees were available at baseline of which 24% (153) had meniscal extrusion. There was a significantly higher incidence of KOA according to the primary outcome measure in women with meniscal extrusion compared to those without extrusion (28.8%, odds ratio - OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.53, 3.73). A significantly higher incidence was found for the development of radiographic KOA (12.4%, OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.11, 6.13) and medial JSN (11.8%, OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.59, 6.41). Meniscal extrusion was not significantly associated with clinical KOA and lateral JSN. Meniscal extrusion was associated with a significantly higher incidence of KOA, providing an interesting target for early detection of individuals at risk for developing KOA.

Effect of vitamin D levels on radiographic knee osteoarthritis and functional status.

This study aims to investigate the effect of serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess its relationship with the radiographic grading and functional status. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in 107 patients (90 females, 17 males; mean age 63.0±9.6 years; range, 40 to 86 years) with primary knee OA. Radiographic grading was based on the Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Atlas Grading Scale, while the functional status was assessed using the Lequesne indices and Turkish version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-Form (KOOS-PS). Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS-Pain). Data including age, sex, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), and pain severity were recorded. The mean 25(OH)D level was 13.4±10.6 ng/mL, and 90 patients (84.1%) had vitamin D deficiency. The presence of severe osteophytes was observed in 67 patients (62.6%) and 85 patients (79.4%) had Grade 2-3 joint space narrowing (JSN). The mean KOOS-PS and Lequesne scores were 40.1±12.3 and 12.9±3.6, respectively. There was no correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and functional status. Our study results show that serum 25(OH)D level is not related to the severity of the radiographic knee OA grading or to the functional assessment. Age and BMI are the factors affecting the radiological knee OA severity, while age, sex, BMI, and pain severity are the main determinants of the functional status.

Prevention of Incident Knee Osteoarthritis by Moderate Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Females.

This study evaluated the effect of moderate weight loss on the incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in middle-aged overweight and obese women, without clinical and radiologic knee OA at baseline. A total of 353 women (87%) with followup data available were selected from the Prevention of Knee Osteoarthritis in Overweight Females study, which evaluated the preventive effect of a diet and exercise intervention and of oral glucosamine sulfate on the incidence of knee OA. This was an exploratory proof-of-concept analysis, which compared the incidence of knee OA between women who reached the clinically relevant weight loss target of 5 kg or 5% of body weight after 30 months and those who did not reach this target. The weight loss group showed a significantly lower incidence of knee OA according to the primary outcome measure, which was composed of the American College of Rheumatology criteria (clinical and radiographic), Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥2, and joint space narrowing ≥1.0 mm (15% versus 20%; odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.3-0.9). Moreover, the weight loss also positively affected several health measures, such as blood glucose level, body fat percentage, and blood pressure. A reduction of ≥5 kg or 5% of body weight over a 30-month period reduces the risk for the onset of radiographic knee OA in middle-aged overweight and obese women. Because of the slow progression of the disease, a longer followup period will be necessary before the number of prevented cases of knee OA by moderate weight loss becomes clinically more relevant.