Radiological Severity Of Osteoarthritis Research Articles

A combination of high preoperative pain and low radiological grade of arthritis is associated with a greater intensity of persistent pain 12 months after total knee arthroplasty.

Despite new technologies for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), approximately 20% of patients are dissatisfied. A major reason for dissatisfaction and revision surgery after TKA is persistent pain. The radiological grade of osteoarthritis (OA) preoperatively has been investigated as a predictor of the outcome after TKA, with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the intensity of pain 12 months after TKA in relation to the preoperative radiological grade of OA alone, and the combination of the intensity of preoperative pain and radiological grade of OA. The preoperative data of 300 patients who underwent primary TKA were collected, including clinical information (age, sex, preoperative pain), psychological variables (depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, anticipated pain), and quantitative sensory testing (temporal summation, pressure pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation). The preoperative radiological severity of OA was graded according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification. Persistent pain in the knee was recorded 12 months postoperatively. Generalized linear models explored differences in postoperative pain according to the KL grade, and combined preoperative pain and KL grade. Relative risk models explored which preoperative variables were associated with the high preoperative pain/low KL grade group. Pain 12 months after TKA was not associated with the preoperative KL grade alone. Significantly increased pain 12 months after TKA was found in patients with a combination of high preoperative pain and a low KL grade (p = 0.012). Patients in this group were significantly more likely to be male, younger, and have higher preoperative pain catastrophizing, higher depression, and lower anxiety (all p ≤ 0.05). Combined high preoperative pain and low radiological grade of OA, but not the radiological grade alone, was associated with a higher intensity of pain 12 months after primary TKA. This group may have a more complex cause of pain that requires additional psychological interventions in order to optimize the outcome of TKA.Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(11):1202-1208.

Evaluation of postoperative orientation of the knee and ankle joint after open wedge high tibial osteotomy

BackgroundCases with varus knee osteoarthritis (OA) often present concomitant ankle joint deformity and poor tibial plafond inclination (TPI) in the coronal plane. Although changes to the TPI with respect to the ground after open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) have been described, reports on the relationship between the correction angle and severity of knee joint line obliquity (KJLO) are scarce. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the correction angle after OWHTO and the change in knee and ankle inclination with respect to the floor. MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2019, 39 knees in 39 patients (mean age, 58.3 ± 9.7 years; male, 14 knees; female, 25 knees) underwent OWHTO for varus knee OA. The mean duration of follow up was 30.1 ± 9.8 months. Radiological severity of OA was evaluated for those with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1–3. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative radiographs were used to examine the postoperative femorotibial angle, hip-knee angle, KJLO, TPI, talar tilt (TT), position of weight bearing line of the tibial plateau width (WBL ratio; %), and the relationship between the pre-to postoperative changes in each measured value and intraoperative correction angle. The relationship between the pre-to postoperative changes in each measured value and intraoperative correction angle were evaluated. Clinical evaluations were conducted before and 2 years after OWHTO using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale of pain. ResultsThe mean pre-to post-operative changes were 3.2 ± 2.2 for KJLO and 3.1 ± 2.5 for TPI, both demonstrating significant differences as well as significant correlations with the correction angle. The knee joint demonstrated postoperative changes in the valgus direction and none in the varus direction with respect to the floor in all cases. Furthermore, the sum of changes to the KJLO and TPI showed a positive correlation that approximates the change in the correction angle. The mean pre- and postoperative 2-year KOOS subscale of pain were 50.2 ± 10.2 and 82.3 ± 9.1. There were no correlations between preoperative TPI, pre-to postoperative change in TPI, and 2-year postoperative of KOOS subscale of pain. ConclusionFor those who underwent OWHTO for varus OA, the knee joint changed from a preoperative varus malalignment to mild valgus malalignment, and the ankle joint tended to improve from a preoperative valgus malalignment to the postoperative neutral alignment with respect to the floor. Although a positive correlation was found in which the correction angle approximates the sum of changes to the KJLO and TPI, no significant difference was found between changes in KJLO and TPI nor in the ratio between the correction angle and changes in each measured value.

The Association of Angiopoietin-2 1064 C/T Rs3020221 Gene Polymorphism with Knee Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) has a role in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. We aimed to assess the serum Angpt-2 levels in knee OA patients and to investigate the association of Angpt-2 gene polymorphism(rs3020221 C/T) with knee OA susceptibility and severity. Angiopoietin-2(rs3020221C/T) gene polymorphism was identified in 254 knee OA patients and 227 healthy controls using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum Angpt-2 was measured using ELISA. The Arabic version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading score were used to assess the clinical and radiological severity of OA and their relationship with Angpt-2(rs3020221C/T) gene polymorphism was investigated. Serum Angpt-2 levels were significantly higher in knee OA patients than in the controls (P = .001). OA patients with C/T genotype had a four times greater risk of developing OA than other genotypes (OR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.85–6.76). Additionally, the T allele presented more in OA patients 224/508 (44%) with two times risk of developing OA (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.43–2.43, p = .001). Angpt-2 SNP (rs3020221C/T) genotype C/T was significantly associated with elevated serum Angpt-2 levels (14.15 ± 5.62 ng/ml). The serum Angpt-2 levels are significantly elevated in OA patients and Angpt-2 gene polymorphism (rs3020221 C/T) may be a risk factor for OA development and both are associated with the severity of knee OA. Carriers of the C/T genotype have a significantly higher serum Angpt-2 levels and a greater risk of developing OA.

Subgroup effects of non-surgical and non-pharmacological treatment of patients with hand osteoarthritis: a protocol for an individual patient data meta-analysis

IntroductionHand osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder in the adult population. No cure for hand OA is known yet, but treatment aims to reduce symptoms. Non-surgical and non-pharmacological therapy...

The correlation between clinical and radiological severity of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Introduction: Primary osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of knee pain. Appropriate management of knee OA is based on clinical and radiological findings. Pain, deformity, and functional impairments are major clinical factors considered along with radiological findings when making management decisions. Differences in management strategies might exist due to clinical and radiological factors. This study aims at finding possible associations between clinical and radiological observations. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 52 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee managed conservatively at a tertiary hospital arthroplasty clinic was conducted for three months. English speaking patients with primary OA were identified and included in this study. Pain and functional impairment were assessed using Wong-Baker Faces pain scale, The Knee Society Score (KSS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The Body Mass Index (BMI) of all participants was measured. Standard two views plain radiographs were used for radiographic grading of the OA. Anonymized radiographs were presented to two senior consultant orthopaedic surgeons who graded the OA using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) and Ahlbäck classification systems. The severity of the functional impairment and pain score was then compared to the radiological grading. Results: The average age of our participants was 63 ± 9 years. Their average BMI was 34.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2, median self-reported pain, total WOMAC, and pain WOMAC scores were 8, 60, and 13, respectively. We observed no significant correlation between BMI and pain scores. Inter-rater reliability for KL and Ahlbäck grading was strong. There was no significant correlation between WOMAC scores and the radiological grades. Conclusion: There was no correlation between pain and functional scores, patient factors and radiological severity of OA of the knee.

Prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in elderly patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionOsteoporosis is a common comorbidity in elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and may increase perioperative complications in orthopedic surgery (e.g., component migration, periprosthetic fractures). As there is no investigation of bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly patients prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Europe, we investigated this issue with a particular focus on a potential treatment gap.Materials and methodsWe assessed the BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 109 consecutive elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) scheduled for TKA. In addition to a detailed assessment of osteoporosis and osteopenia, the influence of clinical risk factors and radiological OA severity on BMD was evaluated using group comparisons and linear regression models. In addition, we analyzed differences in BMD between patients scheduled for TKA vs. total hip arthroplasty (THA).ResultsOf the included 109 patients, 19 patients (17.4%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis and 50 (45.9%) with osteopenia. In the osteoporotic patients, a clinically relevant underdiagnosis concomitant with a serious treatment gap was observed in 95.0% of the patients. Body mass index, OA grade, and glucocorticoid use were identified as independent factors associated with BMD. No differences in BMD were found between the patients scheduled for TKA vs. THA.ConclusionsConsidering the high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in elderly patients, DXA screening should be recommended for patients ≥ 70 years indicated for TKA.

Potential Value of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 as a Biomarker for Osteoarthritis.

Background: Emerging knowledge has highlighted the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 in osteoarthritis (OA); however, the suitability of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential value of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA.Methods: The study enrolled 51 patients, of which 33 had advanced varus OA and 18 did not have OA. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analyses were performed to measure MMP-13 activity in the cartilage and subchondral bone of patients with OA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum MMP-13 levels in patients with or without OA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess the association between serum MMP-13 levels and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, the association between serum MMP-13 levels and radiological severity of OA was evaluated using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system. Finally, we built the proportional odds logistic regression models to evaluate serum MMP-13 levels as a potential predictor for OA.Results: MMP-13 levels were significantly higher in the severe-worn cartilage of the medial tibial plateau than in the relatively intact portion of the lateral cartilage (p < 0.05). This was contrary to the findings for MMP-13 differential expression in the subchondral bone in knee OA (p < 0.05). Patients with OA had significantly higher serum MMP-13 levels compared with patients without OA. Additionally, remarkable associations among serum MMP-13 levels, WOMAC scores, and KL grading scores were found in the end-stage OA. Furthermore, the subsequent analysis suggested that serum MMP-13 level was a significant predictor for OA.Conclusion: MMP-13 is valuable for diagnosing, measuring disease severity, and predicting OA in the advanced period of the disease, suggesting that it has potential possibility as a biomarker for OA. However, the underlying mechanisms and clinical application of MMP-13 as a biomarker for OA require to be further investigated.

The ability to kneel before and after total knee arthroplasty : the role of the pattern of osteoarthritis and the position of the femoral component.

The aims of this study were to investigate the ability to kneel after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing, and its effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Secondary aims included identifying which kneeling positions were most important to patients, and the influence of radiological parameters on the ability to kneel before and after TKA. This prospective longitudinal study involved 209 patients who underwent single radius cruciate-retaining TKA without patellar resurfacing. Preoperative EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the ability to achieve four kneeling positions were assessed including a single leg kneel, a double leg kneel, a high-flexion kneel, and a praying position. The severity of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) was graded and the pattern of OA was recorded intraoperatively. The flexion of the femoral component, posterior condylar offset, and anterior femoral offset were measured radiologically. At two to four years postoperatively, 151 patients with a mean age of 70.0 years (SD 9.44) were included. Their mean BMI was 30.4 kg/m2 (SD 5.36) and 60 were male (40%). They completed EQ-5D, OKS, and Kujala scores, assessments of the ability to kneel, and a visual analogue scale for anterior knee pain and satisfaction. The ability to kneel in the four positions improved in between 29 (19%) and 53 patients (35%) after TKA, but declined in between 35 (23%) and 46 patients (30%). Single-leg kneeling was most important to patients. After TKA, 62 patients (41%) were unable to achieve a single-leg kneel, 76 (50%) were unable to achieve a double-leg kneel, 102 (68%) were unable to achieve a high-flexion kneel and 61 (40%) were unable to achieve a praying position. Posterolateral cartilage loss significantly affected preoperative deep flexion kneeling (p = 0.019). A postoperative inability to kneel was significantly associated with worse OKS, Kujala scores, and satisfaction (p < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis identified significant independent associations with the ability to kneel after TKA (p < 0.05): better preoperative EQ-5D and flexion of the femoral component for single-leg kneeling; the ability to achieve it preoperatively and flexion of the femoral component for double-leg kneeling; male sex for high-flexion kneeling; and the ability to achieve it preoperatively, anterior femoral offset, and patellar cartilage loss for the praying position. The ability to kneel was important to patients and significantly influenced knee-specific PROMs, but was poorly restored by TKA with equal chances of improvement or decline. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(9):1514-1525.

Effects of a medical second opinion programme on patients\u2019 decision for or against knee arthroplasty and their satisfaction with the programme

BackgroundGerman social legislation gives patients the right to obtain a second opinion before elective surgery and defines quality criteria for reimbursement by statutory health insurances. However, the effects of second opinions before elective surgery are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a second opinion programme in patients recommended for knee arthroplasty.MethodsThe largest statutory health insurance funds in Bavaria offered patients who had been recommended to have knee arthroplasty the opportunity to partake in a second opinion programme which consisted of an in person presentation to an experienced knee surgeon. In this cohort study, consecutive patients from this second opinion programme who signed informed consent were included from 07/10/2016 to 14/02/2020. Data were collected before and after the second opinion visit.ResultsA total of 141 (66%) of 215 patients who presented for a second opinion participated in the evaluation study. The second opinion physician recommended knee arthroplasty to 40% of the patients, later knee arthroplasty if the conditions worsened to 40%, and no knee arthroplasty to 20%. After receiving the second opinion 28 of 56 (41%) undecided patients preferred knee arthroplasty, 14 no knee arthroplasty, 14 remained undecided. Four of 46 patients with a preference for “arthroplasty” changed their decision to “no arthroplasty”, five of 35 patients from “no arthroplasty” to “arthroplasty”. The patients were more confident in their decision according to the decision confidence scale (before: 5.4 ± 3.0; after: 7.8 ± 2.5; p < 0.001). They rated their satisfaction with the second opinion programme with a mean grade of 1.35 (± 0.60) (best:1; worst:6). Logistic regression analyses showed that the recommendation of the second opinion physician for joint arthroplasty was associated with the guideline criteria radiological severity of osteoarthritis (p = 0.001) and knee-joint-specific quality of life (p = 0.041).ConclusionThe second opinion of an experienced knee surgeon frequently deviates from the initial recommendation for knee arthroplasty. The association of guideline criteria to the second recommendation suggests a high quality of the second opinion. From the patient perspective, the second opinion reduces uncertainties in their treatment decision.

Postural Stability and Proprioception Abnormalities in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) leads to the damage of all joint components, with consequent proprioceptive impairment leading to a decline in balance and an increase in the risk of falls. This study was aimed at assessing postural stability and proprioception in patients with knee OA, and the relation between the impairment in postural stability and proprioception with the severity of OA and functional performance. Thirty-eight patients with knee OA were recruited. OA severity was classified with the Kellgren–Lawrence score. Postural stability and proprioception were assessed in double- and single-limb stance, in open- and closed-eyes with an instrumented device. Functional performance was assessed using the Knee Score Society (KSS) and the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB). Relationships between variables were analyzed. Postural stability was reduced with respect to reference values in double-limb stance tests in all knee OA patients, while in single-stance only in females. Radiological OA severity, KSS-Functional score and SPPB were correlated with greater postural stability impairments in single-stance. Knee OA patients show decreased functional abilities and postural stability impairments. Proprioception seems to be impaired mostly in females. In conclusion, clinical management of patients with OA should include an ongoing assessment and training of proprioception and postural stability during rehabilitation.

Obesity with radiological changes or depression was associated with worse knee outcome in general population: a cluster analysis in the Nagahama study

BackgroundIn knee osteoarthritis (OA), pain is the most frequent and dominant symptom. However, which factors other than radiological changes contribute to the symptoms is unresolved. The aims of this study were to identify factors affecting knee pain from various variables with radiological changes taken into count and exploratively examine what subgroups or phenotype could be identified by cluster analysis using the identified knee pain factors.MethodsPatients 60 years or older who underwent radiographic evaluation were included in this cross-sectional study, and those subjects who completed a questionnaire about knee symptoms without missing data were eligible for analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the associations between selected variables and The Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) pain score. We grouped the subjects by cluster analysis using identified variables.ResultsTwo thousand five hundred forty-two subjects were included in the full set of analyses. Age, body mass index (BMI), radiological grade, bone mineral density (BMD), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) showed a statistically significant correlation with radiological showing the strongest value. For dichotomous variable, presence of depression showed a statistically significant result. We used BMI, radiological grade, BMD, hs-CRP, and presence of depression as a variable for cluster analysis and identified six subgroups: (1) minimal joint disease subgroup, (2) male and high BMD subgroup, (3) high CRP subgroup, (4) severe radiological OA subgroup, (5) depressive subgroup, and (6) moderate radiological OA with high BMI subgroup, showing the worst knee outcome.ConclusionThis study identified the factors affecting knee pain other than radiological changes and identified six subgroups of knee outcome in the general population. The results showed that obesity with radiological changes or depression was associated with worse knee outcome.

Correlation of Radiological Severity of Genu Osteoarthritis (Kellgren and Lawrence) with Functional Disabilities (Womac Score)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that most often causes functional disabilities. Thecomplaints that most often cause functional disabilities in people with OA are pain and stiffness. The severity of OAcan be seen radiologically. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of radiological severity of OA (Kellgrenand Lawrence) with functional disabilities (WOMAC score). Method: This type of research is an analytic observationalstudy with a cross sectional design. The population who became the respondents of this study were patients sufferingfrom knee osteoarthritis at the Medical Rehabilitation Installation of Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang inNovember 2018 who met the inclusion criteria. Samples were taken by consecutive sampling technique. Thefunctional ability of the patient will be assessed using the WOMAC score and the severity of OA radiologicallyinterpreted based on the Kellgren and Lawrence criteria. Result: Statistical test used Somer's correlation test. From 32respondents' data, it was found that there was no significant correlation between the radiological severity of OA andfunctional disability (p = 0.097). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between radiological severity of OA(Kellgren and Lawrence) with functional disabilities (WOMAC score).

The complexity of molecular processes in osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common medical problem leading to chronic pain and physical disability among the world’s population. Analyzing the molecular background of the degenerative arthritis creates the potential for developing novel targeted methods of treatment. Fifty samples of meniscus, anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) and articular surfaces were collected from patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty in 2016. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transforming growth factor-β1 and LUMINEX for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13. The collected data were correlated with the severity of radiological OA, demographic data and clinical scales. Strong positive correlations in the concentration of metalloproteinases and proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α (MMP-2 and MMP-13) and IL-6 (MMP-13), were identified. MMP-13 had a positive correlation with the concentration of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Negative correlation coefficient exists between clinical conditions measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scale and the level of TNF-α and MMP-1. The TNF-α concentration was lower in the cartilage of the articular surface among patients who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs periodically. The decrease in MMP-2 in the cartilage of the articular surface corresponded with the severity of radiological OA on the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. Current treatment methods for OA do not stop disease progression. Identifying signaling pathways and molecular particles engaged in OA and their correlations with the patient’s clinical condition brings new therapeutic possibilities.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Primary Osteoarthritis Egyptian Patients.

IntroductionBoth primary osteoarthritis (OA) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cause disability in old people. This study aimed to detect the relation between primary osteoarthritis and age-related macular degeneration in a sample of geriatric Egyptian population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 222 primary OA patients. Medical history, musculoskeletal examination, body mass index (BMI) calculation, and ophthalmological examination, radiographs of anteroposterior view and weight-bearing position for both hips and both knees and posteroanterior view for hands, Kellgren and Lawrence grading score for radiological severity of OA, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus fluorescence angiography FFA for evaluation of the macula were done. AMD was classified into early, intermediate, and late. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.ResultsForty-six OA patients had AMD [19 cases had early, 15 cases had intermediate and 12 cases with late (7 neovascular (NV) and 5 geographic atrophy (GA))]. There was a significant correlation between AMD stages and OA grading score. There were significant differences between OA patient with AMD and those without AMD regarding age, disease duration, disease severity, family history of OA, daily mild exercise and calcium, and vitamin D intake. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age, more severe OA, low exercise and less calcium and vitamin D intake were considered independent risk factors for AMD development in primary OA.ConclusionPrimary OA patients are more liable to AMD due to common risk factors and related pathogenesis. Ophthalmological follow up of those patients is recommended.

Obesity and osteoarthritis of the knee joint: Is leptin the missing link?

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) involves a progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage, remodeling of the subchondral bone, and synovitis. It typically affects diarthrodial (synovial) joints including the knee joints. Obesity, which represents a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30, has been linked to OA of the knee joint. A biomechanical theory which infers that repetitive application of axial loading at the knee joint is the mechanism through which obesity causes OA has long been put forward. However, metabolic factors (adipokines) may yet be a link between OA and obesity. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to establish if there is a correlation between serum leptin and radiological severity of OA of the knee joint in obese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out after ethical clearance was obtained from the hospital's ethical committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all prospectively recruited participants. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected by random sampling into either the obese or nonobese group based on their BMI. The patients were radiographically evaluated, and data were collected using a well-designed and structured pro forma. 5 ml of blood was collected from each patient for the analysis of serum leptin level. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included into this study. Fifty of these patients were obese (BMI ≥30), whereas the other fifty were nonobese (BMI CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: From the results of this study, it is concluded that there is a correlation between serum leptin levels and radiological severity of OA of the knee joint in obese patients.

Expectations of Singaporean patients concerning activities after total knee arthroplasty

Background: There are many factors that affect the experience and satisfaction of a patient undergoing knee replacement surgery. Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of demographic factors, disease severity and several novel parameters on patients’ expectations in a Singaporean population. Methods: Phone interviews were conducted with 69 patients to measure their expectations before total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Information such as demographics, surgical histories, baseline Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS), kneeling ability, quality of reviews from relatives or friends and histories of any traditional therapies utilised were obtained. Radiological severity of osteoarthritis was graded using the Kellgren–Lawrence scale; discordance with severity of knee pain was recorded. Results: Patients expected TKA to result in pain relief, improved mobility, increased ability to participate in physical activities, and paid employment. On multivariate regression analysis, LEAS, SF-36 physical, KOOS-pain and KOOS-activity of daily living scores remained significant predictors of expectations. Conclusion: The results indicated multiple factors influence patient’s expectations pre-operatively and their satisfaction post-operatively. Better patient outcomes may be achieved by making improvements in understanding and moderating patient expectations. Level of evidence: Diagnostic III

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft With and Without a Ligament Augmentation Device: A 25-Year Follow-up of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background:Various grafts and ligament augmentation devices (LADs) have been used in the search for optimal reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).Purpose:To compare 25-year follow-up results after ACL reconstruction using a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft with or without the Kennedy LAD.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods:One hundred patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between 1991 and 1993 were randomized into 2 groups: reconstruction using a BPTB graft alone (BPTB group, 51 patients) or a BPTB graft with the Kennedy LAD (LAD group, 49 patients). The 25-year follow-up evaluation included a clinical knee examination, patient-reported outcome measures, and an assessment of radiological osteoarthritis (OA) according to the Ahlbäck classification. Additional outcomes were reruptures and knee arthroplasty.Results:Ninety-three patients (93%) were available for the follow-up evaluation: 48 patients in the BPTB group and 45 in the LAD group. Through telephone calls, 26 patients were excluded from further investigation because of reruptures and arthroplasty in the knee of interest; 67 patients were further investigated. A total of 43 of 44 (98%) and 42 of 44 (95%) patients had negative or 1+ Lachman and pivot-shift test results, respectively. The mean Lysholm score was 85 for the BPTB group and 83 for the LAD group. All mean Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale values were ≥73. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of these outcomes or regarding the Tegner score, radiological classification of OA, or number of ACL reruptures. Signs of radiological OA were detected in all patients, and severe radiological OA (Ahlbäck grade III, IV, or V) was detected in 32% of patients in the BPTB group and 21% of patients in the LAD group (P = .37). There were 12 patients in the BPTB group and 7 in the LAD group who had documented reruptures (P = .40). One patient in the BPTB group and 6 in the LAD group underwent knee arthroplasty (P = .054).Conclusion:In the present study, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the outcomes. After 25 years, 19% of patients had reruptures, 27% had severe radiological OA, and 7% underwent knee arthroplasty.

Trajectories of pain, physical function and physical activity components in patients with symptomatic knee and hip osteoarthritis: A group-based multi-trajectory approach

Introduction The aims of this study were to identify homogeneous subgroups with distinct trajectories of pain, physical function and physical activity (PA) components in patients with symptomatic knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) and to identify the baseline predictive factors associated with these trajectories. Methods The KHOALA cohort is a French population-based multicenter cohort of 878 patients with symptomatic knee and/or hip OA, aged between 40 and 75 years old recruited between 2007 and 2009. Six outcomes assessed annually during a period of 5 years were modeled in the multi-trajectory model. Pain and physical function were measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire while PA intensity [in metabolic equivalent of task (MET)], frequency (times per week), duration (hours per week) and type (weight-bearing exercises or not) were assessed by the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ). At baseline, the radiological severity of OA was assessed using Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grades, comorbidities by the Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) and perceived vitality with the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Group-based multi-trajectory modeling was used to identify subgroups with distinct trajectories of pain, function and PA components. Patients with at least two available measures were included in the analyses. First, trajectory models were estimated with varying number of groups for each of the outcomes separately to clarify the types of distinct trajectories to be represented in the multi-trajectory model. The selection of the optimal models was based on maximization of the Bayesian information criterion, the proportion of patients in each trajectory group (> 5%) and the statistical significance of the equation modeled (intercept only, linear, quadratic or cubic). Then, each outcome trajectories characteristics were included in the multi-trajectory model and the optimal one was chosen according the same selection criteria. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to identify the predictive baseline characteristics associated with each group and were adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Results Among the 878 patients, 609 (69.4%) were women, 222 (25.3%) had hip OA, 607 (69.1%) knee OA and 49 (5.6%) both hip and knee OA. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling revealed 3 distinct trajectories of pain, physical function and PA components over 5 years. The first (n = 187, 35.2%) included patients with low pain levels, no functional limitations and who practiced intense PA and weight-bearing exercises. The second (n = 218, 41.0%) included patients with moderate levels of pain and functional limitations and who practiced a less intense PA. Patients belonging to the third group (n = 127, 23.9%) had severe pain, severe functional limitations and a low-intensity practice with rare weight-bearing exercises. Overall, a decrease in intensity, frequency and duration of PA was observed in all groups over 5 years, even in the group of subjects with low pain levels and no functional limitations. In multivariate analyses, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48–5.17), increasing age (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.08), a high number of comorbidities (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.21–1.90), a low vitality score (reflecting a high level of fatigue; OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92–0.97) and a high KL grade (reflecting a high radiological severity; OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.53–7.65) were associated with the third group membership. Conclusion Based on the 5-year follow-up data, we identified 3 distinct trajectories of pain, physical function and PA components. A high number of comorbidities, a high level of fatigue and a high radiological severity were associated with the trajectories of severe pain and functional limitations. The management of these factors seems important to maintain physical function, limit pain and maintain PA practice in patients with symptomatic knee and/or hip OA.

Comparative Analysis of Bone Structural Parameters Reveals Subchondral Cortical Plate Resorption and Increased Trabecular Bone Remodeling in Human Facet Joint Osteoarthritis.

Facet joint osteoarthritis is a prominent feature of degenerative spine disorders, highly prevalent in ageing populations, and considered a major cause for chronic lower back pain. Since there is no targeted pharmacological therapy, clinical management of disease includes analgesic or surgical treatment. The specific cellular, molecular, and structural changes underpinning facet joint osteoarthritis remain largely elusive. The aim of this study was to determine osteoarthritis-related structural alterations in cortical and trabecular subchondral bone compartments. To this end, we conducted comparative micro computed tomography analysis in healthy (n = 15) and osteoarthritic (n = 22) lumbar facet joints. In osteoarthritic joints, subchondral cortical plate thickness and porosity were significantly reduced. The trabecular compartment displayed a 42 percent increase in bone volume fraction due to an increase in trabecular number, but not trabecular thickness. Bone structural alterations were associated with radiological osteoarthritis severity, mildly age-dependent but not gender-dependent. There was a lack of association between structural parameters of cortical and trabecular compartments in healthy and osteoarthritic specimens. The specific structural alterations suggest elevated subchondral bone resorption and turnover as a potential treatment target in facet joint osteoarthritis.

The Influence of Radiological Severity and Symptom Duration of Osteoarthritis on Postoperative Outcome After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the influence of preoperative radiological severity and symptom duration of hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the postoperative functional outcome, quality of life, as well as abductor muscle strength after total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we studied 250 patients. Preoperatively, we evaluated the function with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and quality of life with euroqol-5D (EQ-5D). At 1 year after THA, the same scores and also hip abductor muscle strength were measured in 222 patients. We divided the cohort twice, first according to the radiological OA severity [Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL)] and then according to the OA symptom duration. We investigated whether the preoperative KL class and symptom duration influenced the 1-year WOMAC (primary outcome measure) or EQ-5D and abductor muscle strength (secondary outcome measures). ResultsThe crude results showed that KL class and symptom duration had no influence (P = .90 and P = .20, respectively) on the 1-year WOMAC. Younger age, male gender, and lower body mass index were associated with a better function. Regarding 1-year EQ-5D, the crude results showed that body mass index and KL class had no influence (P = .83 and P = .39, respectively). The adjusted results showed that only age and gender influenced the postoperative EQ-5D. No influence of the tested factors was found on the 1-year abductor muscle strength. ConclusionPreoperative radiological OA severity and symptom duration had no influence on the outcome of THA and should probably not affect the decision about timing the operative intervention.