Rate Of Joint Space Narrowing Research Articles

Comparison of clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous fixation versus open reduction internal fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Treatment for tibial plateau fractures continues to evolve but maintains primary objectives of anatomic reduction of the joint line and a rapid recovery course. Arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous fixation (AAPF) has been introduced as an alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The purpose of the study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with low-energy Schatzker type I-III tibial plateau fractures treated with AAPF versus ORIF. A retrospective chart review was performed at a level 1 trauma centre to compare outcomes of 120 patients (57 AAPF, 63 ORIF) with low-energy lateral Schatzker type I-III tibial plateau fractures who underwent tibial plateau fixation between 2009 and 2018. Demographic information, injury characteristics, and surgical treatment were recorded. The main outcome measurements included reduction step-off, joint space narrowing, time to weight bearing, and implant removal. There was no difference in age, gender distribution, BMI, ASA, Schatzker classification distribution, initial displacement, blood loss, and reduction step-off between the two groups (p > 0.05). Shorter tourniquet time (74.1 ± 21.7 vs 100.0 ± 21.0min; p < 0.001), shorter time to full weight bearing (47.8 ± 15.2 vs. 69.1 ± 17.2days; p < 0.001), and lower rate of joint space narrowing (3.5% vs. 28.6% with more than 1mm, p < 0.001) were associated with the AAPF cohort, with no difference in pain, knee range of motion, or implant removal rate between the two cohorts. AAPF may be a viable alternative to ORIF for the management of low-energy tibial plateau fractures with outcomes not inferior compared to the traditional ORIF method.

Effect of spinal fusion on joint space narrowing of the hip: comparison among non-fusion, short fusion, and middle or long fusion

BackgroundLumbar fusion corrects spinal deformities and improves spinal complications. Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is strongly correlated with spinal mobility, and joint space narrowing of the hip after spinal fusion has gained attention. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of spinal fusion on hip joint space narrowing.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively examined 530 hips of 270 patients who underwent spinal surgery. All the patients underwent whole-spine radiography before and at the final follow-up. Patients were divided into three groups (N group: non-spinal fusion, S group: up to three interbody fusions, and L group: more than four interbody fusions). The rates of joint space narrowing, spinal parameters (sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence), and limb length discrepancy at the final follow-up were compared. A multilinear regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for the rate of joint space narrowing.ResultsThe rate of joint space narrowing was significantly higher in the L group than in the N and S groups (P < 0.001). No significant difference in the rate of joint space narrowing was observed between the N and S groups. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the number of fusion levels (p < 0.05) and follow-up period (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for joint space narrowing. Spinal parameters at the final follow-up were not independent risk factors.ConclusionsLong spinal fusion (more than four levels) led to significantly greater joint space narrowing of the hip than short (up to three levels) or no fusion. Spinal alignment did not affect joint space narrowing of the hip. Surgeons should be aware that more than four interbody fusions may result in worse joint space narrowing of the hip.Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study

Bisphosphonate use is associated with a decreased joint narrowing rate in the non-arthritic hip.

The preventive effects of bisphosphonates on articular cartilage in non-arthritic joints are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral bisphosphonates on the rate of joint space narrowing in the non-arthritic hip. We retrospectively reviewed standing whole-leg radiographs from patients who underwent knee arthroplasties from 2012 to 2020 at our institute. Patients with previous hip surgery, Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ II hip osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The rate of hip joint space narrowing was measured in 398 patients (796 hips), and the effects of the use of bisphosphonates were examined using the multivariate regression model and the propensity score matching (1:2) model. A total of 45 of 398 (11.3%) eligible patients were taking an oral bisphosphonate at the time of knee surgery, with a mean age of 75.8 years (SD 6.2) in bisphosphonate users and 75.7 years (SD 6.8) in non-users. The mean joint space narrowing rate was 0.04 mm/year (SD 0.11) in bisphosphonate users and 0.12 mm/year (SD 0.25) in non-users (p < 0.001). In the multivariate model, age (standardized coefficient = 0.0867, p = 0.016) and the use of a bisphosphonate (standardized coefficient = -0.182, p < 0.001) were associated with the joint space narrowing rate. After successfully matching 43 bisphosphonate users and 86 non-users, the joint narrowing rate was smaller in bisphosphonate users (p < 0.001). The use of bisphosphonates is associated with decreased joint degeneration in non-arthritic hips after knee arthroplasty. Bisphosphonates slow joint degeneration, thus maintaining the thickness of joint cartilage in the normal joint or during the early phase of osteoarthritis.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res2022;11(11):826-834.

Increased Joint Space Narrowing After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Background: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is widely performed and remains an important therapeutic option for patients with a meniscal tear. However, it is debated whether or not APM accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) in the long term. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the progression of OA measured by the change in tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW)—a quantitative measure of OA radiographic severity—across 3 groups with a midterm follow-up: (1) patients undergoing APM; (2) those with a meniscal tear treated nonoperatively; and (3) those without a tear. We hypothesized that the reduction in JSW would be greatest in patients undergoing APM and least in those patients without a tear. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Using the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort, a total of 144 patients were identified that underwent APM with at least 12 months of follow up and without previous knee surgery. Those with a meniscal tear who did not have APM (n = 144) and those without a tear (n = 144) were matched to patients who had APM by sex, age, Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade, and follow up time. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. Knee radiographs to assess JSW were collected annually or biannually. The change in minimum medial compartment JSW was calculated using a validated automated method. A piecewise linear mixed effects model was constructed to examine the relationship between JSW decline over time and treatment group—adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, KL grade, and baseline JSW. Results: All groups had comparable baseline JSW—ranging from 4.33 mm to 4.38 mm. The APM group had a rate of JSW decline of −0.083 mm/mo in the first 12 months and −0.014 mm/mo between 12 and 72 months. The rate of JSW decline in the APM group was approximately 27 times greater in the first 12 months than that in the nonsurgical group (−0.003 mm/mo) and 5 times greater than that in the no tear group (−0.015 mm/mo); however, there was no significant difference between groups for 12 to 72 months (nonsurgical group: −0.009 mm/mo; no tear group: −0.010 mm/mo). The adjusted JSW in the APM group was 4.38 mm at baseline and decreased to 2.57 mm at 72 months; the JSW in the nonsurgical group declined from 4.31 mm to 3.73 mm, and in the no tear group it declined from 4.33 mm to 3.54 mm. There was a statistically significant difference in JSW change between baseline and 72 months for the APM group compared with the other groups (P < .001), but not between the nonsurgical and no tear groups (P = .12). Conclusion: In the first postoperative year, APM results in a faster rate of joint space narrowing compared with knees undergoing nonsurgical management of meniscal tears. Thereafter, there are comparable rates of OA progression regardless of the chosen management. APM results in a persistent decrease in JSW over at least 72 months. An untreated meniscal tear does not contribute to radiographic progression—assessed by JSW—as compared with an intact meniscus.

Glucosamine as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: What If It's True?

No disease-modifying treatments are currently available for osteoarthritis (OA). While many therapeutic approaches are now being investigated it is ethical to resort to alternative solutions as that we already possess. There are many reasons for thinking that, at sufficiently high doses, glucosamine (GlcN) sulphate possesses a clinically relevant effect on OA pain. Wide inter-individual variations in the symptomatic effects of GlcN are explained by the extreme variability of its bioavailability. In studies evaluating its structure-modifying effect, GlcN was more effective than placebo in reducing the rate of joint space narrowing in patients with knee OA. More recent data suggest that GlcN may be effective in the primary prevention of OA in sportsmen. There is no controversy concerning the safety of GlcN which does not differ to that of placebo. Several studies have recently revealed an unexpected effect of GlcN on cardiovascular mortality. After adjusting for confounding factors, the regular consumption of GlcN correlated with a 27% reduction in mortality and a 58% reduction in deaths from cardiovascular causes. These data confirm animal studies demonstrating a protective effect of GlcN against cancer and cardiovascular diseases due to modulation of the O-GlcNAcylation pathway. Disorders in O-GlcNAcylation are involved in diabetes, obesity and cancers, which all feature chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI). By regulating CLGI, GlcN may be beneficial to the symptoms of OA, its outcome and to that of the concomitant chronic pathologies, making GlcN as a valuable candidate for the treatment of OA in patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Spinopelvic Parameters on Hip Degeneration After Spinal Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to investigate the effects of spinopelvic alignment parameters after spinal fusion on the rate of joint space narrowing in nonarthritic hips. Spinal fusion affects the forces on the adjacent hip joint. Therefore, hip joint narrowing may be increased after spinal fusion surgery. However, the relationship between spinal alignment and hip degeneration remains unclarified. We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion from 2011 to 2018 at our institute. Patients with hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥II) or hip dysplasia were excluded. The rate of hip joint space narrowing after spinal fusion was measured in 191 patients (382 hips). We assessed the effects of the following spinopelvic alignment parameters on the joint narrowing rate: pelvic tilt, sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI-LL, sagittal vertical axis, and distance between the C7 plumb line, and the central sacral vertical line (C7-CSVL). The hip joint narrowing rate was greater when four or more levels were fused compared with single-level fusion. After adjusting for the effects of patient-related factors, the alignment parameters significantly associated with the hip joint narrowing rate were the PI ( P = 0.0002), SS ( P = 0.047), and PI-LL ( P = 0.0022). A subgroup analysis of patients who underwent long fusion (four or more levels combined with iliac screws) also indicated that the PI ( P = 0.013), SS ( P = 0.0054), and PI-LL ( P = 0.046) were associated with the hip joint narrowing rate. The PI, SS, and PI-LL were associated with the progression of hip joint narrowing after spinal fusion, especially after fusion of four or more levels. Surgeons need to be aware of the risk of increased hip joint narrowing in patients with a large PI, SS, and PI-LL after fusion surgery.

Number of Levels of Spinal Fusion Associated with the Rate of Joint-Space Narrowing in the Hip.

Fusion of a joint reportedly increases force in the adjacent joints and leads to progression of arthritis. Whether lumbar spinal fusion increases force in the hip joint and promotes wear of the joint space is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of joint-space narrowing in the hip following spinal fusion and to examine the effects of the number of levels fused on the joint-narrowing rate. We retrospectively reviewed data for patients who underwent lumbar spinal fusion from 2011 to 2018 at our institute. Patients with a previous hip surgery, Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥II hip osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. The rate of joint-space narrowing in the hip was measured in 205 eligible patients (410 hips) following spinal fusion, and the effects of sex, age, body mass index, indication for spinal fusion, laterality, sacral fixation, and number of levels fused on the narrowing rate were examined. The rate of joint-space narrowing for all patients was 0.114 ± 0.168 mm/year. The narrowing rate for single-level fusion was 0.062 ± 0.087 mm/year, whereas that for fusion of ≥7 levels was 0.307 ± 0.254 mm/year. In the multivariate regression analysis, only the length of fusion (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.374, p < 0.0001) was associated with an increased narrowing rate. When the narrowing rate was normalized by height, female sex was another risk factor for increased narrowing (SC = 0.109, p = 0.023). Secondary regression modeling performed with patients who underwent spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease showed that the length of fusion (SC = 0.454, p < 0.0001) and female sex (SC = 0.138, p = 0.033) were associated with increased joint-space narrowing. Longer spinal fusion was associated with the progression of hip joint narrowing following spinal fusion. Surgeons should be aware of the possible increased risk of hip degeneration following spinal fusion and should inform patients of this risk. Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Doxycycline improves tendon and cartilage pathologies in preclinical studies: current concepts

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that are elevated during states of inflammation and have specifically been linked to cartilage, tendon and bone pathologies. Concentrations of these enzymes fluctuate naturally with various injury states, and these enzymes have been shown to be directly inhibited by doxycycline. Historically, doxycycline has been used exclusively for its antimicrobial properties, but recent studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of doxycycline and its effects on musculoskeletal pathologies. This study sought to describe the current use of doxycycline for its MMP inhibitory properties in the setting of musculoskeletal pathologies. During preclinical studies, improved healing properties were noted acutely in tendon injuries following surgical repair and chronically in cartilage injuries, demonstrating decreased rates of joint space narrowing and improved cartilage quality. There is only one known clinical trial that has examined doxycycline use, and it reported that doxycycline can decrease the rate of joint space narrowing in patients with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, doxycycline was well tolerated with minimal side effects reported in both animal and human studies. While it can be reasonably inferred that the positive effects of doxycycline are related to its ability to inhibit MMP activity, further clinical research is warranted to investigate the use of doxycycline in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal pathologies. Level of Evidence: Current Concepts, Level IV.

THU0210 Impact of Components of the Metabolic Syndrome on Knee Osteoarthritis Progression in the SEKOIA Study

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested that components of the metabolic syndrome might be involved in the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, their impact on joint space narrowing in patients with...

Osteoarthritis - Why Exercise?

Osteoarthritis - Why Exercise?

Alignment of the medial tibial plateau affects the rate of joint space narrowing in the osteoarthritic knee

To determine, in serial fixed-flexion (FF) radiographs of subjects with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the importance of, and basis for, the effect of alignment of the medial tibial plateau (MTP), as determined by the inter-margin distance (IMD), on joint space narrowing (JSN). Baseline and 12-month X-rays of 590 knees with Kellgren and Lawrence grade (KLG) 2/3 OA from the public-release dataset of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were assigned to subgroups based upon IMD at baseline (IMD(BL)) and the difference between IMD(BL) and IMD(12 mos). Relationships of JSN to IMD(BL) and to the difference between IMD(BL and) IMD(12 mos) were evaluated. In all 590 knees, mean JSN was 0.13 ± 0.51 mm (P<0.0001) and MTP alignment and replication of IMD(BL) in the 12-month film were, in general, poor. JSN was significantly (P=0.012) more rapid in Subgroup A (IMD≤1.70 mm at both time points) than in Subgroup B (both IMDs>1.70 mm): 0.15 ± 0.43; 0.08 ± 0.47. Within Subgroup B we identified a subset, Subgroup B1, in which, although alignment was poor at both time points, the large IMD(BL) was, by chance, highly reproduced by IMD(12 mos) (difference between the two IMDs=0.01 ± 0.27 mm, NS). JSN in Subgroup B1 was 0.06 ± 0.41 mm and did not differ from that in other knees of Subgroup B (P=0.87). The standardized response mean (SRM) in all 590 knees and Subgroups A, B and B1 was 0.25, 0.34, 0.17 and 0.06, respectively. Independent of IMD(BL), JSN correlated significantly with the difference between the IMDs in the two radiographs (r=0.17, P=0.0001). Skewed MTP alignment in serial films and poor replication of IMD(BL) in the follow-up exam affect JSN measurement. The magnitude of change in joint space width (JSW) related to the poor quality of alignment that is common with the FF view jeopardizes accurate evaluation of JSN.

Biomarkers in osteoarthritis: a clinical trials perspective

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, causes considerable disability and a significant public health impact. The burden of OA will increase with aging of the population and the present obesity epidemic. Currently, potential structure-modifying drugs for OA must demonstrate slowing of the rate of joint space narrowing in serial radiographs. This usually requires clinical trials of 2–3 years duration. More sensitive and precise biomarkers can potentially aid selection of participants into trials, identify those at highest risk of rapid disease progression and provide new surrogate markers for radiographic OA. These biomarkers will decrease the cost and duration of trials, and hasten the development and approval of new disease-modifying pharmaceuticals. Standardization of assays, methods of specimen collection and assessment of marker variation by age, race/ethnicity, sex, body mass index, total body OA load, comorbid conditions and medications will continue to be evaluated to hasten the in...

Effects of strength training on the incidence and progression of knee osteoarthritis

Quadriceps weakness is a risk factor for incident knee osteoarthritis (OA). We describe a randomized controlled trial of effects of lower-extremity strength training on incidence and progression of knee OA. A total of 221 older adults (mean age 69 years) were stratified by sex, presence of radiographic knee OA, and severity of knee pain, and were randomized to strength training (ST) or range-of-motion (ROM) exercises. Subjects exercised 3 times per week (twice at a fitness facility, once at home) for 12 weeks, followed by transition to home-based exercise after 12 months. Assessments of isokinetic lower-extremity strength and highly standardized knee radiographs were obtained at baseline and 30 months. Subjects in both groups lost lower-extremity strength over 30 months; however, the rate of loss was slower with ST than with ROM. Compared with ROM, ST decreased the mean rate of joint space narrowing (JSN) in osteoarthritic knees by 26% (P = not significant). However, the difference between ST and ROM groups with respect to frequency of knee OA progression in JSN consensus ratings was marginally significant (18% versus 28%; P = 0.094). In knees that were radiographically normal at baseline, JSN >0.50 mm was more common in ST than in ROM (34% versus 19%; P = 0.038). Incident JSN was unrelated to exercise adherence or changes in quadriceps strength or knee pain. The ST group retained more strength and exhibited less frequent progressive JSN over 30 months than the ROM group. The increase in incident JSN >0.50 mm in ST is unexplained and requires confirmation.

Cancellous bone changes in hip osteoarthritis: a short-term longitudinal study using fractal signature analysis

To quantify changes to the trabecular structure in the femoral heads of patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Patients with OA (n=14; F=7), mean (standard deviation age) 50.6 (10.1) years, had macroradiographs at approximately x4 magnification at baseline and 18 months later using a standardized protocol. Following digitization, computerized measurement was obtained of minimum hip joint space width and fractal signature analysis (FSA) measured longitudinal changes separately in the principal compressive (vertical) and horizontal trabeculae at the region of interest within the centre of the head. The patient group had mean annual rate of joint space narrowing of 0.14+/-0.36 mm/yr. FSA detected no significant changes in horizontal trabeculae, whereas the larger principal compressive (vertical) trabeculae (0.96 mm to 1.02 mm) increased significantly in thickness and the fine to medium trabeculae (0.18 mm to 0.54 mm) decreased significantly in number. The increased thickness of the larger trabeculae within the compressive structural element of the femoral head is a response to the increase in stress associated with an overall loss of trabeculae in this region, suggesting the presence of an osteoporosis within the femoral head in OA patients.

Doxycycline slows rate of joint space narrowing in OA

Doxycycline slows rate of joint space narrowing in OA

Radiographic assessment of osteoarthritis: analysis of disease progression.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions affecting older adults, and is a significant public health problem among adults of working age. The knee is the most frequently involved joint site associated with disability in OA. Diagnosis of OA is primarily based on history and physical examination, but radiographic findings, including asymmetric joint space narrowing (JSN), subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, subluxation, and distribution patterns of osteoarthritic changes are all helpful when diagnosis is uncertain. Structural morphological changes on X-rays are also considered the primary outcome variables for assessing the progression of OA. The development of new methods for prevention and treatment of OA requires improved understanding of the factors that influence its progression. The ability to assess progression quantitatively is a necessary first step in understanding factors that influence the disease process. Depending on the joint studied, several indices are currently used for assessing radiological progression of OA, including individual radiographic features (e.g., marginal osteophytes), composite indices (e.g., Kellgren and Lawrence scoring systems), and quantitative measures (e.g., joint space width measurement). Unfortunately, the review of studies evaluating the longitudinal rate of JSN indicates that the yearly change may be very small and of doubtful clinical significance. This emphasizes the need for further refinement in the definition of radiographic outcomes in prospective clinical trials. This review focuses on the available scoring methods used for the sites most frequently involved in OA (hand, knee, hip) and their various advantages and disadvantages.

Radiographic assessment. Introduction: existing methodology

Plain radiograph is the most accepted imaging technique to assess structural changes of osteoarthritis and it is proposed as ‘surrogate’ of outcome of the disease process. The existing radiographic methodology is well standardized with respect to its technique for investigation of hip, knee and hand joints, including advice on the most appropriate views, patient positioning, X-ray beam alignment, quality control. Quantitation of joint space narrowing is currently proposed as the primary variable in studies of disease progression for hip and knee, while semi-quantitation of this same parameter or of bone changes by published atlases have to be intended as secondary variables, or outcomes in hand studies. Unfortunately, the review of studies that evaluated the longitudinal rate of joint space narrowing indicates that the yearly change may be very small (<0.1mm/year) and of doubtful clinical significance. This underlines the need for further refinement in the definition of the radiographic outcome in prospective clinical trials.