Articles tagged with Joints
A Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that osteoarthritis is driven by low-grade inflammatory processes. The researchers found that inflammation sets in motion a chain of molecular events that escalates into an attack on the damaged joint, leading to its progression.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new definition for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) to help diagnose patients with suspected PJI. The criteria include sterile sampling, biomarker testing, and histological analysis to identify virulent organisms like Staphylococcus aureus.
A novel study demonstrates that nanoparticles can retain osteoarthritis drugs in the knee joint, increasing their duration of action. This technology, when used with current or new osteoarthritis drugs, may allow patients to receive injections every three months instead of once a week.
Research suggests African Americans have a higher burden of multiple large-joint osteoarthritis, with significant racial differences in OA phenotypes. The study found that African Americans are more likely to have knee OA and have a greater risk of joint involvement, particularly hip and spine OA.
Researchers found that people with previous ankle injuries tend to move their hips and knees differently when landing, which may contribute to re-injury. The study provides new insights into the role of joint movements in ankle sprains.
Researchers found that exercise improves arthritis symptoms in obese mice without causing weight loss. Modest improvements could have a major impact on people affected by osteoarthritis. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion that excess weight is the primary cause of the condition.
Researchers at URMC discover that a medication already approved to build bone mass in patients with osteoporosis can also increase cartilage around joints, potentially treating millions suffering from arthritis. The study suggests that the drug could be repurposed as an alternative to current treatments.
Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition causing chronic inflammation and scarring around the shoulder joint. Gentle stretching exercises and physical therapy can help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Surgery may be necessary for those not showing progress with non-surgical treatments.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have developed advanced MRI techniques that can detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure, allowing for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. These techniques enable physicians to shift the management of the disease from eventual joint reconstruction to long-term preservation.
A Wayne State researcher has discovered an antibiotic that can prevent and treat aseptic loosening, a condition where surrounding bones disintegrate after prosthetic joint surgery. The antibiotic, erythromycin, can be administered directly at the site of bone breakdown, reducing side effects associated with long-term oral use.
Researchers have discovered a dual-action treatment combining steroids within a viscosupplement that provides superior pain relief and improved function. Hydros-TA Joint Therapy shows promise as a next-generation osteoarthritis treatment, offering faster onset and longer-lasting results.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that knee replacement patients are at a higher risk of developing clots, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, smoking history, or advanced age. The study suggests extending blood thinner therapy into weeks following surgery to minimize this risk.
Researchers found significant improvements in hip flexion (3.8 degrees) and internal rotation (9.3 degrees) after arthroscopic treatment for femoro-acetabular impingement, restoring range of motion across the joint.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that male smokers had a lower risk of undergoing total joint replacement surgery compared to non-smokers. High body mass index (BMI) and vigorous physical activity were also linked to an increased risk of arthroplasty in men, particularly those over 70 years old.
Researchers investigated biological motion perception in a new study, finding that local motion cues are essential for direction discrimination. The visual system uses these cues to infer global structure and detect living beings, independent of shape or size.
Scientists discovered a unique screw-and-nut joint in weevil hips, allowing for improved leg movement and climbing ability. This innovative feature has been present in over 50,000 weevil species worldwide.
Research shows significantly higher osteoarthritis (OA) incidence rates among US military personnel compared to the general population, with differences increasing with advancing age category. Black service members have higher OA rates than white military personnel or those in other racial categories.
Researchers propose reclassifying osteoarthritis into distinct divisions based on clinical and structural phenotypes. This could enable targeted treatments for specific patient groups, such as those affected by obesity or trauma. Improved imaging and biomarker technologies are needed to support this new classification system.
Patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty at hospitals with lower surgical volume had a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and mortality following the procedure. Researchers found that hospital procedures and peri- and post-operative care processes may contribute to complications.
Bursitis is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain affecting the hips, knees, heels, and elbows. The condition can be managed with simple nonsurgical techniques such as ice packs, compressive dressings, activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be required in cases where symptoms persist or infection is involved.
A new study finds that hips provide most of the power during walking, but ankles dominate during running. This discovery could inform the design of assistive devices and prosthetics for humans.
The Vectra DA algorithm provides a robust molecular monitoring system for RA disease activity. Studies show it can predict progressive joint damage and is robust in patients with common comorbid conditions.
A two-year study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that artificial disc replacement was comparable to fusion surgery in terms of outcomes, but showed individual patient advantages. Patients in the artificial disc group experienced less pain, reduced medication use, and higher satisfaction rates.
A study found that sonography with power Doppler can identify subclinical disease and joint activity in children with JIA, which complements the physical exam. The study also showed that certain combinations of physical exam findings are highly sensitive and ultrasound does not add value to clinical management.
A new polymer-based system for imaging inflammation associated with wear debris shows promise in detecting early stages of bone loss in joint replacement implants. The system can also tether anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent further damage.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an injectable gel that can release medicine only when needed, targeting specific joints affected by arthritis. The gel is made from a self-assembling material that can disassemble in response to enzymes present during inflammation.
A new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that depression can exacerbate knee arthritis symptoms beyond what is evident on X-rays. Patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis are especially affected by depression.
Starting rehabilitation within 24 hours of knee arthroplasty surgery can significantly improve pain management, range of motion, and muscle strength. This early intervention also leads to shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and reduced risk of secondary infections, making it a potential game-changer for patients and hospitals.
A literature review finds lab tests and imaging have limited value in diagnosing JIA due to false positives; a full physical exam and patient history are crucial for accurate diagnosis
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a biomimetic patch to improve the success rate of rotator cuff repairs. The patch, which mimics the natural tissue, is designed to guide the healing process along the path it follows during development.
Researchers found that athletes with symptomatic femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) had a higher incidence of athletic pubalgia and sports hernias. Treating the underlying hip condition can resolve symptoms, allowing patients to return to play.
A new study identified key factors influencing a dancer's ability to return to work after hip arthroscopy. The study found that younger age, modern dance training, and less degeneration of the articular cartilage were predictors of success, while ballet dancers and those with hip dysplasia or Cam impingement had lower rates of return.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the risks of delayed hip fracture surgery, which can lead to increased medical complications and longer hospital stays. Additionally, researchers highlight high rates of adverse events in patients undergoing partial hip replacement, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. The s...
Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral knee replacement had a lower risk of major joint infection and mechanical malfunction compared to those with staged procedures. However, they also experienced higher rates of heart attacks and pulmonary embolisms.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that a three-minute diluted betadine lavage and skin painting with a 10% betadine solution nearly eliminated early deep post-operative infections in total knee and hip joint replacement surgeries. The rate of infection was reduced from 0.97% to 0.15%.
A newly discovered biomarker could help doctors diagnose meniscal tears with high accuracy, avoiding unnecessary surgery and medical scans. The biomarker, a fibronectin-aggrecan complex, was found in the knee fluid of patients with painful meniscal tears but not in asymptomatic individuals.
The NYU Langone Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has been selected to participate in the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR), aiming to collect key joint replacement and revision data to monitor device performance and identify best practices. The registry's participation is expected to improve long-term outcomes, cost managemen...
Researchers redefine remission in rheumatoid arthritis by introducing two new provisional definitions that aim to standardize treatment goals. The new definitions focus on disease activity measures, including tender joint count, swollen joint count, and C-reactive protein levels.
Lyme arthritis can be treated successfully with oral antibiotics, but early diagnosis is crucial to prevent joint damage. Patients who develop the condition should look for symptoms like aching joints, fever, and rash, and report them to their physician.
In a phase II trial, fostamatinib disodium, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, failed to demonstrate efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to biologic agents. However, the drug was found to be safe and showed promise in subgroups of patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels.
A new study published in JBJS shows that internet-based postoperative rehabilitation (telerehabilitation) is a viable treatment option for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Telerehabilitation allows patients to receive rehab services from the comfort of their own homes, achieving outcomes comparable to traditional rehab.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a strong correlation between uric acid levels and severity of knee osteoarthritis in a study of 159 participants. The study suggests that lowering uric acid levels may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
A University of Rochester Medical Center team has discovered an antibody that stops MRSA bacteria from growing, potentially leading to a vaccine. The researchers found that the antibody targets the glucosaminidase protein, breaking the bacteria's armor and preventing replication.
A team of researchers from University of Missouri and Columbia University successfully regenerates complete shoulder joint surfaces in animals using the patient's own cells. The new technique eliminates the need for multiple surgeries to harvest and implant cells, making it a promising alternative to metal and plastic joints.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a gene responsible for JMP syndrome, an extremely rare disorder characterized by severe joint stiffness, muscle loss, and panniculitis-induced lipodystrophy. The proteasome subunit beta-type 8 (PSMB8) gene mutation affects immune cell function, leading to inflammation and fat loss.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that medical device registries enhance patient safety and quality of care by tracking implant effectiveness and patient risk factors. The study analyzed over 85,000 joint surgeries and identified key reasons for re-operations and outcomes for patients.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can significantly improve outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Delayed treatment was associated with increased joint destruction and lower chances of achieving DMARD-free remission.
Tel Aviv University scientists apply industrial monitoring technique to diagnose diseases like osteoarthritis and assess the efficacy of medications. Bio-ferrography detects nanometer-sized particles, providing objective and quantitative results for early disease detection and orthopedic implant evaluation.
Researchers have discovered that dinosaurs had thick layers of cartilage in their joints, which may have made them considerably taller than originally estimated. This study has implications for understanding dinosaur posture and speed.
The University of East Anglia is launching a study on broccoli's impact on osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease affecting six million people in the UK. Sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, blocks enzymes causing joint destruction.
Researchers at Max Planck have developed an new MRI method that significantly accelerates image acquisition time, allowing for 'live recordings' of moving joints and organs. This breakthrough enables direct monitoring of heart muscle pumping and blood flow, potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like coronary heart disease.
Researchers have found that walking uphill and using obstacles can improve flexibility in arthritic dogs' joints, while walking downhill offers little therapeutic benefit.
Hydrogen sulfide has been found to be present in the fluid inside human knee joint synovial fluid and may play a role in reducing inflammation. The study found higher levels of hydrogen sulfide in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, associated with lower inflammation and disease activity.
The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
The American College of Rheumatology has announced revised classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, allowing researchers to study patients earlier in the course of the disease. The new criteria aim to prevent joint damage and improve patient outcomes.
A new study from UC Davis found that changing training techniques can reduce shear forces on knee joints, which may help prevent ACL injuries. The research involved female basketball players who learned to land on their toes and balls of the feet, resulting in a 56% reduction in tibial shear force.
Researchers identify options for restoring joint lubrication to potentially prevent OA. The study found that injecting lubricin into the traumatized joint limits cartilage deterioration and encourages the joint to produce its own lubricin.
A new study found that prolonged wearing of high heels can contribute to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. The researchers discovered that heel height changes walking characteristics, such as slower speeds and shorter stride lengths, and increases compression on the inside of the knee.
A pioneering study has shown that joints can be regrown using a host's own stem cells, potentially leading to longer-lasting artificial joint replacements. The work provides a proof-of-concept for naturally grown joints and may lead to clinical applications in the future.
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) presents eight research awards and two grants to recognize innovative studies in orthopaedic sports medicine. This year's award recipients include researchers who have made significant contributions to the field, with highlights including studies on platelet-rich plasma, exte...