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High rates of opioid prescriptions for osteoarthritis

Researchers found that every fourth osteoarthritis patient was prescribed opioids, with codeine and tramadol being the most commonly used. Despite not being recommended as a first-line treatment, opioids were still given to nearly a quarter of patients, highlighting a significant challenge in addressing osteoarthritis pain management.

SourceLund University·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateJul 8, 2019

Just an hour of weekly walking staves off disability

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that an hour of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can help older adults maintain their independence and reduce the risk of mobility disability by 85%. The study also showed that this amount of exercise can lower the risk of activities of daily living disability by almost 45%.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 1, 2019

Disease burden in osteoarthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis

A new study reveals that osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have comparable impacts on patients when first visiting rheumatologists. Treatment significantly improves RA outcomes, whereas OA experiences a higher burden of disease, highlighting an urgent need for improved treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 20, 2019

Study examines long-term opioid use in patients with severe osteoarthritis

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that prescription opioids are commonly used long-term to treat pain in older patients with severe osteoarthritis. The study also revealed substantial statewide variation in rates of treatment with long-term opioid therapy for osteoarthritis, which was not fully explained by difference...

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJan 28, 2019

3D printing may help treat osteoarthritis

Scientists use 3D printing to create articular cartilage and subchondral bone from mesenchymal stem cells. This technique shows promise in repairing osteochondral defects in mini-pigs' knees.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJan 24, 2019

The pain circuit breaker

Researchers at UniSA's Body in Mind Research Group have found visual illusions can reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis by up to 40%. The study used visual illusions that altered the size of participants' knees and lower legs, resulting in a cumulative analgesic effect.

NSAIDs shown to have causal role in cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis

Research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a causal role in the cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis. A study found that over two-thirds of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with osteoarthritis is linked to NSAID use, particularly for congestive heart failure and ischemic heart ...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Zoledronic acid has no effect on knee pain or bone marrow lesions in knee OA after two years

A two-year study found that zoledronic acid did not reduce knee pain or bone marrow lesion size in patients with osteoarthritis. However, it showed symptomatic benefit in those with milder disease. The study's results may suggest a potential role for zoledronic acid in relieving symptoms in patients with mild osteoarthritis.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Injections for knee osteoarthritis -- 'subtle but significant' impact of revisions in clinical practice guidelines

The study analyzed an insurance database of over 1 million patients with knee osteoarthritis treated between 2007 and 2015. Updated guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons led to a decline in hyaluronic acid injections, while steroid injection rates leveled off after a recommendation against its use was made.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 17, 2018

New osteoarthritis genes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified nine novel genes associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers used the UK Biobank resource and found that five of these genes differ significantly in their expression between healthy and diseased cartilage, offering new targets for future research into therapies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 19, 2018