A study published in Current Rheumatology Reviews found that rehabilitation exercises significantly improved functional strength and reduced weight in knee osteoarthritis patients. The researchers also noted an increase in exercise adherence among the rehabilitation group compared to the control group.
A large study of over 825,000 individuals has identified new genetic risk factors for osteoarthritis and pinpointed potential drug targets. The research also found specific genetic changes that underpin the risk for all forms of osteoarthritis.
A study published in Nature Communications found that microRNA-455 helps regulate cartilage homeostasis and slows cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis. By targeting the gene hypoxia-inducible factor-2α, miR-455 treatment inhibits cartilage breakdown.
A study confirmed the safety of a novel stem cell therapy for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. The treatment, which involves transplanting patient's own mesenchymal stem cells into the affected knee, showed no serious side effects over five years.
A groundbreaking treatment using 3D printed implants has received approval to be trialled in UK patients, aiming to provide relief for knee osteoarthritis sufferers. The bespoke titanium alloy implants are designed to reduce discomfort and improve surgical accuracy, with the first trials expected to begin once clinical centres reopen.
Researchers identified regulatory variants near the GDF5 gene associated with knee osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. The study found two distinct mutations that can cause both diseases, paving the way for potential screenings and treatments.
EULAR taskforce develops guidelines to standardize intra-articular injection (IAT) care, emphasizing patient-centered outcomes and contextual factors. The new recommendations aim to improve IAT quality, providing patients with personalized information and support.
A retrospective study of 33,360 patients found a 41% increased risk of Parkinson's disease in those with osteoarthritis. Patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis had a higher risk compared to others.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that only a minority of patients with knee osteoarthritis used non-surgical care such as physical therapy and knee injections. The study suggests that surgery may be more commonly substituted for conservative care in regions with high rates of knee replacements.
Researchers found that total knee replacement is a cost-effective treatment option for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis and extreme obesity. The procedure leads to substantial increases in quality-adjusted life expectancy for these patients.
Researchers found that chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis triggers a harmful 'feed-forward' loop in cartilage cells, making them more sensitive to pressure and leading to further breakdown of the cartilage. This discovery opens the door for disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis.
The Morris Animal Foundation is partnering with Elanco Animal Health to better understand the incidence and prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs. The partnership involves Elanco sponsoring a new section of the owner and veterinarian questionnaires that directly evaluates signs of osteoarthritis.
A recent study estimates that 858,000 Americans use opioids for knee pain, resulting in $0.5 billion annual costs and nearly $14 billion lifetime costs. The study suggests substantial savings from preventing opioid use for knee osteoarthritis pain management.
A new randomized controlled trial shows that digital treatment for knee osteoarthritis is more effective than traditional self-management care in reducing pain by 41 percent compared to 6 percent. The digital treatment also offers benefits such as lower costs and increased accessibility for patients living in rural areas.
The Kessler Foundation is conducting a two-year study on the role of hemarthroses in the development of osteoarthritis of the knee in military personnel. The team aims to explore regenerative processes to counter toxic effects of joint injury and prevent long-term damage.
A new study has discovered the cellular pathway leading to osteoarthritis and found that paroxetine slows down cartilage degeneration while promoting cartilage health in mice and human cartilage. The drug may be the first-ever treatment for this debilitating disease, which affects over 30 million adults.
A new study published in CMAJ found that high tibial osteotomy is successful in reducing the need for total knee replacement in younger patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis. The procedure delays or prevents knee replacement in up to 79% of patients within 10 years.
A systematic review of antidepressant effectiveness for back and osteoarthritis pain found small, insignificant benefits for some patients. The evidence suggests that antidepressants may not be a worthwhile treatment option for chronic pain, highlighting the need for large-scale, industry-free trials.
Researchers found that antidepressants were either ineffective or provided a small effect on chronic back pain, with effects being even smaller for osteoarthritis. The study suggests antidepressants may not be the best treatment option for these conditions and could even cause adverse events.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a method to halt osteoarthritis-type knee cartilage degeneration by targeting a specific protein pathway. By over-activating the EGFR signaling pathway, they were able to slow down cartilage degeneration and knee pain in mice.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a comprehensive framework to address disparities and discrimination in healthcare, proposing policy recommendations to enhance quality and effectiveness for all patients. The framework also discusses specific contributors to health disparities and steps to improve them.
A new study by Shriners Hospitals for Children finds that biochemical signals released by fat cells are responsible for osteoarthritis. The investigation, led by Dr. Farshid Guilak, suggests a factor given off by fat cells makes cartilage susceptible to degeneration.
David T. Felson, a renowned Boston University rheumatologist, has been honored with the Lee C. Howley Prize from the Arthritis Foundation for his groundbreaking research on osteoarthritis (OA). His work has led to significant advances in understanding OA risk factors, treatments, and outcome measurement.
The updated guidelines recommend a combination of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions to manage knee osteoarthritis. Education, structured exercise, and weight loss are emphasized as core treatments, while topical NSAIDs are advised as first-line treatments for persistent pain.
A panel of experts recommends imaging for hip and knee steroid injections to mitigate joint collapse and total replacement risks. Current evidence is insufficient to draw a definitive conclusion, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at UniSA have identified a new biomarker for osteoarthritis using mass spectrometry imaging, which may improve early diagnosis and treatment. The study found specific sugars associated with damaged tissue compared to healthy tissue, potentially helping slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm that can detect subtle signs of osteoarthritis on MRI scans taken years before symptoms begin. The algorithm predicted osteoarthritis with 78% accuracy from MRIs performed three years before symptom onset, offering hope for preventative treatments.
A machine learning classifier accurately detected the beginning stages of osteoarthritis progression in a study of 86 individuals. The classifier achieved 78% accuracy up to 3 years before symptom onset, suggesting early detection may enable treatment at a reversible stage.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that turmeric supplements were more effective in reducing knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis compared to a placebo. The study also showed no adverse events and reduced medication usage, but highlighted the need for larger, longer-term trials.
Researchers identified a potential underlying mechanism in the nervous system responsible for varying pain patterns with knee osteoarthritis. People with more pain sensitization were more likely to suffer from constant and unpredictable pain.
Dr. Daniel Pinto has been recognized with the prestigious award for his research on cost-effectiveness and patient preferences in arthritis management strategies. He is a specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy and a member of several IOF committees.
Researchers emphasize the importance of implementing effective post-fracture care coordination programs to reduce secondary fractures, frailty, and mortality in older patients. A novel FLS benefits calculator has been introduced to support decision-making at national and local levels.
A Norwegian study shows that a structured conservative therapy programme can improve quality of care, increase patient satisfaction, and delay the need for surgery. The programme included patient education and exercise, leading to better outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.
The virtual WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2020 Congress featured over 210 live and pre-recorded sessions on new clinical research and advances in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and related diseases. The Congress attracted a record number of registrants and was accredited by the EACCME with 16 European CME credits.
A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that app-based osteoarthritis treatment can halve patients' pain levels within six months and improve physical mobility. The digital program costs approximately 25% of conventional treatment, making it a cost-effective option.
A new study from NYU Langone Health suggests that injecting adenosine into joints can stimulate cartilage growth and prevent disease progression. The treatment has shown promising results in animal models of osteoarthritis, with regrowth rates of up to 50%.
Researchers found that bisphosphonates can reduce bone marrow lesions in people with knee osteoarthritis, which could lead to improved pain management and halted disease progression.
A new analysis of the CANTOS trial found that patients receiving canakinumab had significantly lower rates of total hip or total knee replacements over an average follow-up of 3.7 years. The study's findings are important as no treatments currently exist to prevent or slow osteoarthritis progression.
A researcher at the University of Oklahoma has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a biomarker for early osteoarthritis diagnosis and predict disease progression. The study aims to identify epigenetic patterns that can help determine whether a patient's condition will worsen quickly or slowly.
A recent study by Durham University found that rugby players continue to suffer from injuries after retirement, with back pain and joint pain being common complaints. The study also revealed that concussion is the most common injury among rugby players, with a significant association with long-term impact.
A novel bone imaging approach has established that bone metabolism is abnormally elevated in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This finding provides a new functional measure to assess degeneration of the knee joint, and may help develop interventions to slow or arrest its progression.
A new analysis of 71 studies with over 950,000 participants found significantly higher odds of knee osteoarthritis in physically demanding job titles such as farmers and builders.
A major global systematic review has identified several jobs that may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis, including agriculture, construction, and service work. The study found that workers in these industries are more likely to develop knee OA due to increased physical stress and repetitive activities.
A randomized controlled trial found that intra-articular hypertonic dextrose injections significantly reduced knee pain in patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis. The study, conducted at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, involved 76 patients who received either the hypertonic dextrose or normal saline injection therapy.
The study reveals nearly 303 million existing cases of hip and knee osteoarthritis globally, with an estimated prevalence of 3754.2 per 100,000 people. Disability attributed to the condition has risen by nearly 10% since 1990.
A new type of specially designed footwear has been shown to significantly reduce the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The biomechanical footwear was found to be effective in reducing pain scores, and may also have potential benefits for people with hip or back pain.
A study in mice suggests gene therapy can build significant muscle mass quickly and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis, even without exercise. The therapy also prevented obesity and improved cardiovascular health.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that strenuous exercise does not increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and may even protect against it. Adults at high risk for knee OA were 30% less likely to develop OA through vigorous physical activity participation.
Researchers found that regulatory switches involved in knee development also play a role in osteoarthritis, a partially heritable disease affecting 250 million people worldwide. The study suggests that subtle modifications in the knee's shape may increase risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered novel loci associated with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in German Shepherds, highlighting the hereditary nature and polygenic background of the disorder. The study sheds light on the genetic factors influencing complex diseases and may lead to better treatment options in the future.
A new mobile app has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve physical function in patients by an average of 43% over six months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a mobile app to track daily exercises and provide information on the disease, with results exceeding expectations.
A combination of two experimental drugs has reversed osteoarthritis in rats, with improved cartilage thickness and reduced cell death. The treatment may potentially translate to human use, offering a promising therapy for millions of adults affected by the disease.
A new study found that 90% of patients with knee osteoarthritis are waiting too long for knee replacement surgery, losing function, while 25% of those without need get the procedure prematurely. This delays deterioration and reduces mobility, leading to additional health issues.
A randomized study found that MIV-711 significantly reduced bone and cartilage progression in knee osteoarthritis patients. However, the treatment had no beneficial effects on osteoarthritic knee pain.
Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.
A new study by Oregon State University has provided a comprehensive, cellular-level understanding of osteoarthritis, enabling better treatment options. The research uses a sophisticated scanning technique to view loaded joints in arthritic and healthy mice, revealing key features such as tissue mechanics and cellular activity.
Researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases have a higher proportion of culture-negative prosthetic joint infections, which can make diagnosis challenging. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic tests and management strategies for these patients.
Researchers suggest corticosteroid injections for hip and knee osteoarthritis may be more dangerous than thought, potentially leading to rapid progressive osteoarthritis, joint collapse, and subchondral insufficiency fractures. Patients should be informed of these risks before receiving injections.
A new study reveals that hip and knee steroid intra-articular injections can lead to accelerated arthritis and joint destruction in some patients. Researchers found serious complications such as osteonecrosis and rapid progressive osteoarthritis in eight percent of patients who received the injections.
A new study analyzed US physician visits for knee osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2015 and found that rates of physical therapy and lifestyle recommendations decreased, while narcotic prescriptions increased. The study highlights the need for more research on barriers to prescribing exercise-based interventions to improve patient care.