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New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 12, 2010

Race for new hips

A recent study found that patient treatment preferences play a significant role in racial disparities in total joint replacement utilization. African-American patients were less likely to receive a recommendation for the procedure and undergo surgery compared to white patients, despite similar disease severity.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Hormone replacement in joint fluid has potential regenerative effect

Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy in joint fluid may be beneficial for treating late-stage human osteoarthritis by regenerating damaged cartilage tissue. Estrogen and testosterone were shown to influence the expression of genes in chondrogenic progenitor cells, which are present in arthritic tissue.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 30, 2010

You have your MoM's ions

A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found correlations between maternal and infant cobalt and chromium levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. Elevated ion levels were detected in infants, suggesting the placenta modulates metal ion transfer to the fetus.

Prozac and Celexa exhibit anti-inflammatory effects

Research found fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. The study suggests potential drug development opportunities for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 25, 2010

New study finds low mortality risk following knee and hip replacement

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the risk of early postoperative mortality following knee and hip replacement surgeries is slightly increased for the first 26 days after surgery. However, the risk of mortality drops to negligible levels 26 days post-op. The study included data from over 188,000 ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 4, 2010

Timing of surgery for knee injuries may not affect outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing surgery within three weeks of a multiple-ligament knee injury have comparable outcomes to those who undergo delayed surgery. Early mobility is also associated with better outcomes than immobilization in patients treated within this timeframe.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 1, 2009

Getting better visualization of joint cartilage through cationic CT contrast agents

Researchers at Boston University have developed new computer tomography contrast agents that selectively bind to glycosaminoglycans in articular cartilage, improving visualization and sensitivity for diagnosing osteoarthritis. The study's findings show that these cationic agents are three times more sensitive than current contrast agents.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 1, 2009

New no-needle approach to prevent blood clots

Researchers have developed a new oral anti-clotting drug called Apixaban that is effective in preventing blood clots and reducing bleeding risk by half. The treatment was tested in a double-blind study of over 3,000 patients and proved to be a major step forward in preventing deadly blood clots after joint replacement surgery.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2009

Protein level may serve as predictor of severe osteoarthritis

A new study identifies vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) as a strong predictor of hip and knee joint replacement due to severe osteoarthritis. Elevated VCAM-1 levels were found in individuals who underwent joint replacement, mirroring active cartilage damage or an inflammatory component in OA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 30, 2009

Joint replacement patients with diabetes greatly benefit from controlled glucose

A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that controlled glucose levels significantly reduce complications after total joint replacement surgery for diabetic patients. Patients with uncontrolled glucose were more likely to experience surgical complications, infection, blood transfusions, and longer hospital stays.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 1, 2009

Study provides greater understanding of lyme disease-causing bacteria

Researchers analyzed joint fluid samples from patients with Lyme arthritis, identifying bacterial strains and finding correlations between OspC typing and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that certain B. burgdorferi genotypes, particularly RST1, may induce a more marked immune response leading to persistent joint inflammation.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 30, 2009

Healing a shoulder separation

Mid-level shoulder separations, also known as acromioclavicular joint injuries, are common athletic injuries. Nonsurgical treatment is often favored for type III injuries, but surgical reconstruction may be recommended for certain patients with persistent instability. Both approaches require rehabilitation to restore motion and strength.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateApr 1, 2009

Knobbly kneed ID

A study published in the International Journal of Biometrics proposes using knee X-rays for biometric validation, providing a unique and secure method for identifying individuals. The Wnd-charm algorithm rapidly analyzes X-ray images to identify specific knees and match them with a database, making it difficult for fraudsters to spoof ...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biometrics·DateMar 25, 2009

Exercise no danger for joints

A review of studies on exercise and osteoarthritis found no harm in regular, low-impact physical activity. Vigorous exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being, with body weight being the largest modifiable risk factor for knee OA.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJan 27, 2009

Greater quadriceps strength may benefit those with knee osteoarthritis

A new study found that stronger quadriceps muscles protect against cartilage loss in the lateral compartment of the patellofemoral joint, a site of frequent cartilage loss and pain in patients with knee OA. Greater quadriceps strength also showed to have less knee pain and better physical function than those with weaker muscles.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 13, 2009