Epidemiology of osteoarthritis

Efficacy of S-flurbiprofen plaster in knee osteoarthritis treatment: Results from a phase III, randomized, active-controlled, adequate, and well-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

S-flurbiprofen plaster (SFPP) is a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) patch, intended for topical treatment for musculoskeletal diseases. This trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of SFPP using active comparator, flurbiprofen (FP) patch, on knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.

METHODS

This was a phase III, multi-center, randomized, adequate, and well-controlled trial, both investigators and patients were blinded to the assigned treatment. Enrolled 633 knee OA patients were treated with either SFPP or FP patch for two weeks. The primary endpoint was improvement in knee pain on rising from the chair as assessed by visual analogue scale (rVAS). Safety was evaluated through adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

The change in rVAS was 40.9 mm in SFPP group and 30.6 mm in FP patch group (p < 0.001). The incidence of drug-related AEs at the application site was 9.5% (32 AEs, 29 mild and 3 moderate) in SFPP and 1.6% in FP patch (p < 0.001). Withdrawals due to AE were five in SFPP and one in FP patch.

CONCLUSIONS

The superiority of SFPP in efficacy was demonstrated. Most of AEs were mild and few AEs led to treatment discontinuation. Therefore, SFPP provides an additional option for knee OA therapy.

Metabolic syndrome and components exacerbate osteoarthritis symptoms of pain, depression and reduced knee function

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its co-morbidities in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis and to assess if the severity of metabolic syndrome, and components, correlates with the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms.

METHODS

A case controlled analysis of 70 patients with osteoarthritis compared to a control group of 81 patients. Each patient underwent clinical review including history, examination, and pathology tests. The case-group all had stage IV osteoarthritis as determined by radiographs and intra-operative assessment. In addition a visual analogue scale (VAS), Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS), and Hamilton Depression scores were completed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in the patients with osteoarthritis compared to the control group. There is a significant correlation between the degree of hypertension, the presence of dyslipidemia or hyperglycemia and the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms. Variables hypertension, low HDL-C levels, and the number of co-morbidities were all identified as risk factors for increased osteoarthritis symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a correlation between the number of metabolic disorders, the severity of hypertension and severity of osteoarthritis symptoms. Hypertension and decreased HDL-cholesterol were positive risk factors for increased osteoarthritis symptomatology.

Is there an increased risk of falls and fractures in people with early diagnosed hip and knee osteoarthritis? Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

AIMS

To assess the probability of individuals with early-diagnosed hip or knee osteoarthritis experiencing a fall and/or fracture compared to a cohort without osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset. We identified all people who were diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis within a 12 month period, compared to those without osteoarthritis. We determined whether there was a difference in the occurrence of falls, with or without consequential fractures, between people newly diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis compared to those who had not, using odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Five hundred and fifty-two individuals with hip osteoarthritis were compared to 4244 individuals without hip osteoarthritis; 1350 individuals with knee osteoarthritis were compared to 3445 individuals without knee osteoarthritis. People with knee osteoarthritis had a 54% greater chance of experiencing a fall compared to those without (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.35-1.77). People with hip osteoarthritis had a 52% greater chance of experiencing a fall compared to those without hip osteoarthritis (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.26-1.84). People with knee and hip osteoarthritis demonstrated over an 80% greater chance of experiencing a fracture in the first 12 months of their diagnosis compared to those without hip or knee osteoarthritis (total knee arthroplasty: OR 1.81; total hip arthroplasty: OR 1.84).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increased risk of falls and fractures in early-diagnosed knee and hip osteoarthritis compared to those without osteoarthritis. International guidelines on the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis should consider the management of falls risk.

Cost-Effectiveness of Different Forms of Intra-Articular Injections for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA), as one of the leading causes of disability, decreases the quality of life for those suffering from the disease and creates a substantial financial burden. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) can provide relief from the symptoms of OA and multiple HA products are prescribed. The purpose of this study is to examine the single payer cost-effectiveness of various HA products in the treatment of knee OA.

Methods

A single payer economic evaluation was conducted comparing Synvisc^® (Sanofi, USA), Durolane^® (Bioventus, USA), Hyalgan^® (Fidia Pharma Inc., USA), Supartz™ (Bioventus, USA), and Euflexxa^® (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA). Utility scores for HA products were obtained by extracting Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain, stiffness and function from randomized controlled trials and converting them to health utilities index mark 3 scores. The cost of a treatment included the cost of the HA injection, cost of a knee injection procedure and cost of a doctor’s visit for each required injection. Cost–utility in 2015 USD per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) saved was calculated for each HA product, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to compare the effectiveness of HA products to one another and to conventional care.

Results

When compared to conventional care, all investigated HA products were cost-effective, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY gained. The HA product Euflexxa had the most favorable cost–utility ratio ($5785.52/QALY) when compared to all other HA brands.

Conclusion

The present study showed several HA products to be cost-effective in comparison to conventional care, with Euflexxa having the most favorable cost/QALY gained ratio compared to the other HA products.

Funding

Ferring Pharmaceutics Inc.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12325-016-0331-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidemiology of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability whose prevalence and incidence continue to increase. History of joint injury represents an important risk factor for posttraumatic osteoarthritis and is a significant contributor to the rapidly growing percentage of the population with osteoarthritis. This review will present the epidemiology associated with posttraumatic osteoarthritis, with particular emphasis on the knee and ankle joints. It is important to understand the effect of posttraumatic osteoarthritis on the population so that sufficient resources can be devoted to countering the disease and promoting optimal long-term health for patients after joint injury.

Postoperative Radiographic Assessment of the Vega Posterior-Stabilized TKA

Different biomechanical designs are incorporated into various total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants. The posterior-stabilized prosthesis design utilizes a polyethylene post and femoral cam in place of the posterior cruciate ligament. This produces a more stable component interface, increased range of motion, and potentially a less technical procedure. This study aimed to assess the short-term (>2 year) outcomes associated with the Vega System posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis (Aesculap Implant Systems, Center Valley, Pennsylvania) based on postoperative radiographs using the Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System (KSRESS). Thirty-seven TKA patients who had received the Vega posterior-stabilized knee prosthesis and had postoperative radiographs at each follow-up for a minimum of 2 years were enrolled, retrospectively. Two independent observers evaluated the radiographs using KSRESS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The average age and body mass index of patients enrolled was 67 years (range, 51-89 years) and 38.5 kg/m(2) (range, 21.2-54 kg/m(2)), respectively. Patients had radiographic follow-up for an average of 36 months (range, 24-58 months). Comparison between first and last available postoperative radiographs revealed a stable femoral and tibial interface with no significant change in prosthesis alignment over the follow-up period. Assessment of the short-term survivorship of the Vega posterior-stabilized prosthesis using KSRESS revealed no significant change in alignment after 2 years of follow-up; however, mid- to long-term studies assessing this junction are needed. A future prospective study using KSRESS in combination with clinical follow-up is recommended to allow comparison of the Vega posterior-stabilized to other prostheses. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):S56-S60.].

Feelings of Usefulness to Others Predict Active Coping With Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations of perceived usefulness to other people with active versus passive coping strategies among adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Additional aims explored contributions of personality variables to this dynamic.

METHOD

199 persons (70.3 years ± 10.4) with knee OA reported personality, coping, and psychosocial data using the Big Five Inventory, subscales from the Social Provisions Scale, and the Coping With Illness measure. Regression analyses identified predictors of perceived usefulness and its independent and interactive associations with active versus passive coping and personality variables.

RESULTS

Better subjective health predicted perceived usefulness. Older adults with higher reported perceived usefulness employed more active than passive pain coping strategies. Passive coping was associated with neuroticism and greater functional disability.

DISCUSSION

Usefulness predicted active OA pain coping, suggesting that it may promote well-being among persons with chronic pain. Further study investigating perceived usefulness in promoting positive health behaviors is needed.

Hyaluronic acid compared with corticosteroid injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized control trail

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints that takes place when the cartilage or a low friction surface between joints breaks down which leads to pain, stiffness and swelling. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) in comparison to corticosteroids (CS) for knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

140 patients with knee osteoarthritis, who were followed for 3 months, were randomized to receive intra-articular injection of either hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid. By receiving one injection of drug during the enrollment in the study, the patients were treated. With the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the visual analog pain scale, an independent, blinded evaluator assessed the patients three times.

Results

The mean age of the patients in the corticosteroid group were 57 ± 1.9 years and in Hyaluronic acid group were 58.5 ± 8.3 years. WOMAC score represented that pain and stiffness did not improve in neither groups at any time points after intervention (P > 0.05). KOOS score suggested that symptoms improved after 3 months in both CS and HA groups. Besides, daily activity improved in both groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a conclusion, it is argued that the most important difference between the two intervention groups is the duration of effectiveness. HA is suggested to be superior in the duration of pain relief when compared to CS. We can propose that HA can be administered every 3 months intra-articular for knee joint OA. Therefore, when CS has to be injected every 2 months, it will be more convenient to use HA.

Functional and Therapeutic Indications of Liposuction: Personal Experience and Review of the Literature

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure worldwide. It has evolved from being designed primarily for body contouring to becoming essential adjunct to various other aesthetic procedures, greatly enhancing their outcome. Despite its hard clear differentiation between an aesthetic and therapeutic indication for some pathologic conditions, liposuction has been increasingly applied to a gamut of disorders as a therapeutic tool or to improve function. In fact, liposuction has ceased to define a specific procedure and became synonymous to a surgical technique or tool same as the surgical knife, laser, electrocautery, suture material, or even wound-dressing products. At present, there seems to be an enormous potential for the application of the basic liposuction technique in ablative and reconstructive surgery outside the realm of purely aesthetic procedures. The present review contemplates the various nonaesthetic applications of liposuction, displaying the enormous potentials of what should be considered a basic surgical technique rather than a specific aesthetic procedure. Implications of this new definition of liposuction should induce third-party public payers and insurance companies to reconsider their remuneration and reimbursement policies.

Study on the relation between tissues pathologies and traditional chinese medicine syndromes in knee osteoarthritis: Medical image diagnostics by preoperative X-ray and surgical arthroscopy

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate whether integration of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine has advantage in achieving the improved diagnosis and treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

90 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected from The Department of Minimal Invasive Joint of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from June 2013 to June 2015. They were divided into 3 groups with 30 cases per group in accordance to the syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine. The patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and we categorized the patients having the same characterization in each group, and those having distinct difference into the three groups. Based on the arthroscopic analysis, we performed analysis of statistical data in order to analyze the relation between knee osteoarthritis under arthroscope and traditional Chinese medicine syndromes.

RESULTS

There are three syndromes according to traditional Chinese medicine that can be categorized into various different groups. The synovial proliferation can be seen mostly in the syndrome of stagnation of blood stasis. The slight damage of knee joint cartilage can be seen in the syndrome of yang deficiency and cold stagnation, the severe one in the syndrome of kidney-marrow deficiency. We found that there are different pathological expressions with the various degree of the tissues damage at the knee and we categorized the knee according to their syndrome.

CONCLUSION

For knee osteoarthritis, different syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine presents different tissues pathological changes at the knee joint under arthroscopy, which will provide objective basis for the diagnosis of this medical condition.

BMP-9 dependent pathways required for the chondrogenic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells

Current cartilage repair therapies focus on the delivery of chondrocytes differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells, and thus understanding the factors that promote chondrogenesis may lead to improved therapies. Several bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been implicated in chondrogenic differentiation and/or chondrocyte function. Although the signaling pathways downstream of BMPs have been studied in other systems, their role in chondrogenesis is less well characterized. Here, we investigated the effects of BMP-9 in chondroprogenitor cells. Compared to BMP-2 and BMP-6, we showed that BMP-9 was significantly more potent in inducing chondrogenic differentiation in mouse C3H10T1/2 and ATDC5 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that BMP-9 induces the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5 in a dose and time dependent manner. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy further demonstrated an accumulation of phosphorylated SMAD1/5 in the nuclei of BMP-9 treated cells. Consistent with activation of the SMAD signaling pathway, we also observed an up-regulation of Id1 and PAI-I expression. Importantly, we demonstrated that the simultaneous knockdown of SMAD1 and SMAD5 was able to inhibit chondrogenesis. Additionally, we also observed activation of p38 by BMP-9, and pharmacological inhibition of this pathway blocked chondrogenesis. In contrast, inhibition of p44/42 ERK had no effect. Finally, we tested the ability of Noggin to block the actions of BMP-9. While Noggin potently inhibited the ability of BMP-2 to mediate differentiation, it had no significant effect on BMP-9. Our findings provide a clearer understanding of the cellular pathways utilized by BMP-9 for chondrogenesis that may help improve current therapies for regenerative cartilage repair.

Intra-articular Autologous Conditioned Plasma Injections Provide Safe and Efficacious Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: An FDA-Sanctioned, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become an intriguing treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), particularly OA of the knee. Despite the plethora of PRP-related citations, there is a paucity of high-level evidence that is comparable, cohort specific, dose controlled, injection protocol controlled, and double-blinded.

PURPOSE

To determine the safety and efficacy of leukocyte-poor PRP autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) for knee OA treatment through a feasibility trial regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

In accordance with FDA protocol, patient selection was based on strict inclusion/exclusion criteria; 114 patients were screened, and 30 were ultimately included in the study. These patients were randomized to receive either ACP (n = 15) or saline placebo (n = 15) for a series of 3 weekly injections. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores served as the primary efficacy outcome measure. Patients were followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

No adverse events were reported for ACP administration. Furthermore, the results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in baseline WOMAC scores between the 2 groups. However, in the ACP group, WOMAC scores at 1 week were significantly decreased compared with baseline scores, and the scores for this group remained significantly lower throughout the study duration. At the study conclusion (12 months), subjects in the ACP group had improved their overall WOMAC scores by 78% from their baseline score, compared with 7% for the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

ACP is safe and provides quantifiable benefits for pain relief and functional improvement with regard to knee OA. No adverse events were reported for ACP administration. After 1 year, WOMAC scores for the ACP subjects had improved by 78% from their baseline score, whereas scores for the placebo control group had improved by only 7%. Other joints affected with OA may also benefit from this treatment.

Particle-based technologies for osteoarthritis detection and therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by degradation of joints with the development of painful osteophytes in the surrounding tissues. Currently, there are a limited number of treatments for this disease, and many of these only provide temporary, palliative relief. In this review, we discuss particle-based drug delivery systems that can provide targeted and sustained delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to OA-affected sites. We focus on technologies such as polymeric micelles and nano-/microparticles, liposomes, and dendrimers for their potential treatment and/or diagnosis of OA. Several promising studies are highlighted, motivating the continued development of delivery technologies to improve treatments for OA.

Current research on pharmacologic and regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice, and is the leading cause of disability in elderly people. Due to the poor self-healing capacity of articular cartilage and lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers, OA is a challenging disease with limited treatment options. Traditional pharmacologic therapies such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids are effective in relieving pain but are incapable of reversing cartilage damage and are frequently associated with adverse events. Current research focuses on the development of new OA drugs (such as sprifermin/recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-18, tanezumab/monoclonal antibody against β-nerve growth factor), which aims for more effectiveness and less incidence of adverse effects than the traditional ones. Furthermore, regenerative therapies (such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), new generation of matrix-induced ACI, cell-free scaffolds, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells or iPSCs), and endogenous cell homing) are also emerging as promising alternatives as they have potential to enhance cartilage repair, and ultimately restore healthy tissue. However, despite currently available therapies and research advances, there remain unmet medical needs in the treatment of OA. This review highlights current research progress on pharmacologic and regenerative therapies for OA including key advances and potential limitations.

Changes in Payment Regulation and Acute Care Use for Total Hip Replacement: Trends in Length of Stay, Costs, and Discharge, 1997-2012

PURPOSE

To describe trends in the length of stay (LOS), costs, mortality, and discharge destination among a national sample of total hip replacement (THR) patients between 1997 and 2012.

DESIGN

Longitudinal retrospective design

METHODS

Descriptive analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Inpatient Sample data.

FINDINGS

A total of 3,516,636 procedures were performed over the study period. Most THR patients were women, and the proportion aged 44-65 years increased. LOS decreased from 5 to 3 days. Charges more than doubled, from $22,184 to $53,901. Deaths decreased from 43 to 12 deaths per 10,000 patients. THR patients discharged to an institutional setting declined, while those discharged to the community increased.

CONCLUSION

We found an increase in THR patients, who were younger, women, had private insurance, and among those discharged to community-based settings.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings have implications for patient profiles, workplace environments, quality improvement, and educational preparation of nurses in acute and postacute settings.

Validity of radiographic assessment of the knee joint space using automatic image analysis

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigated whether there were differences between automatic and manual measurements of the minimum joint space width (mJSW) on knee radiographs.

METHODS

Knee radiographs of 324 participants in a systematic health screening were analyzed using the following three methods: manual measurement of film-based radiographs (Manual), manual measurement of digitized radiographs (Digital), and automatic measurement of digitized radiographs (Auto). The mean mJSWs on the medial and lateral sides of the knees were determined using each method, and measurement reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients. Measurement errors were compared between normal knees and knees with radiographic osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

All three methods demonstrated good reliability, although the reliability was slightly lower with the Manual method than with the other methods. On the medial and lateral sides of the knees, the mJSWs were the largest in the Manual method and the smallest in the Auto method. The measurement errors of each method were significantly larger for normal knees than for radiographic osteoarthritis knees.

CONCLUSIONS

The mJSW measurements are more accurate and reliable with the Auto method than with the Manual or Digital method, especially for normal knees. Therefore, the Auto method is ideal for the assessment of the knee joint space.

The effects of kinesiology taping therapy on degenerative knee arthritis patients' pain, function, and joint range of motion

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of kinesiology taping therapy on degenerative knee arthritis patients' pain, function, and joint range of motion. [Subjects] To conduct the experiment in the present study, 30 patients with degenerative knee arthritis were divided into a control group (the conservative treatment group) of 15 patients, who received conservative physical therapy, and an experimental group (the kinesiology taping group) of 15 patients, who received kinesiology taping therapy. [Methods] All patients received treatment three times per week for four weeks. The kinesiology taping group had elastic tapes applied to the hamstring muscles, anterior tibialis, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. The range of motion was measured using joint goniometers, pain was measured using visual analog scales, and functional evaluation was conducted using the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. [Results] In intragroup comparisons of the kinesiology taping group and the conservative treatment group, the visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores significantly decreased, and the range of motion increased more than significantly. In intergroup comparisons, the kinesiology taping group showed significantly lower visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores and significantly larger ranges of motion than the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Kinesiology taping therapy is considered to be an effective nonsurgical intervention method for pain relief, daily living activities, and range of motion of degenerative knee arthritis patients.

Use of the KineSpring system in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results

PURPOSE

the purpose of this study was to analyze our preliminary results obtained with the KineSpring system in patients suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

between September 2012 and May 2014, 53 patients underwent treatment with the KineSpring system. Patient self-assessment was performed pre-operatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and included the KOOS, Tegner activity score, Lysholm functional knee score, VAS knee pain score, and IKDC score. Device- and procedure-related adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

mean KOOS subscales, except for the Sport/Recreation subscale at six months, improved over time. Mean WOMAC Pain and Function domains, Lysholm score, IKDC score and VAS knee pain score improved over the follow-up period and were significantly improved at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared to baseline. Mean Tegner score improved slightly over time. In 5 of the 53 (9.4%) patients re-operation was necessary. In 3 patients the device was removed due to infection (one case) or persistent knee pain (two cases). Surgical arthrolysis was performed in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

in our preliminary experience, the KineSpring system gave good short-term clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

The Influence of Aging on the Regenerative Potential of Human Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Tissue regeneration using human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) has significant potential as a novel treatment for many degenerative bone and joint diseases. Previous studies have established that age negatively affects the proliferation status and the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells. The aim of this study was to assess the age-related maintenance of physiological function and differentiation potential of hASCs in vitro. hASCs were isolated from patients of four different age groups: (1) >20 years (n = 7), (2) >50 years (n = 7), (3) >60 years (n = 7), and (4) >70 years (n = 7). The hASCs were characterized according to the number of fibroblasts colony forming unit (CFU-F), proliferation rate, population doubling time (PDT), and quantified parameters of adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. Compared to younger cells, aged hASCs had decreased proliferation rates, decreased chondrogenic and osteogenic potential, and increased senescent features. A shift in favor of adipogenic differentiation with increased age was also observed. As many bone and joint diseases increase in prevalence with age, it is important to consider the negative influence of age on hASCs viability, proliferation status, and multilineage differentiation potential when considering the potential therapeutic applications of hASCs.

May spa therapy be a valid opportunity to treat hand osteoarthritis? A review of clinical trials and mechanisms of action

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and its current treatment includes non-pharmacological and pharmacological modalities. Spa therapy represents a popular treatment for many rheumatic diseases. The aim of this review was to summarize the currently available information on clinical effects and mechanisms of action of spa therapy in OA of the hand. We conducted a search of the literature to extract articles describing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in hand OA published in the period 1952-2015. We identified three assessable articles reporting RCTs on spa therapy in hand OA. Data from these clinical trials support a beneficial effect of spa therapy on pain, function and quality of life in hand OA. Spa therapy seems to have a role in the treatment of hand OA. However, additional RCTs are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action and the effects of the application of thermal treatments.

The clinical symptom profile of early radiographic knee arthritis: a pain and function comparison with advanced disease

PURPOSE

Early knee OA is a significant problem that can be disabling. The purpose of this study was to understand the symptomatic profile of patients with early knee OA when compared to those with end-stage knee OA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional case control study design was used to compare those with early structural change to those with advanced structural change. In total, 100 consecutive patients with early radiographic knee OA presenting to the knee service outpatient clinic from December 2010 to August 2011 were prospectively identified on the basis of their radiographic changes. All met the symptomatic and radiological diagnostic criteria of early knee OA as defined by Luyten et al. They were compared with 200 knees with full thickness anteromedial knee OA and 200 knees with full thickness tricompartmental knee OA for their demographic, pain and functional profile.

RESULTS

Patients with early knee OA were younger than those with full thickness disease. However, 78% of individual patients with early radiographic OA had pain and function scores equal to individual patients presenting for UKA, whilst 74% of individual patients with early radiographic OA had pain and function scores that are equal to or worse than individual patients presenting for TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early radiographic knee OA demonstrate considerable overlap in the severity of their symptoms with those demonstrating end-stage structural changes within the knee. Patients with early structural changes of arthritis should not be assumed by clinicians to have mild disease. In many cases, their symptoms are as bad as those with end-stage structural changes. This work will help clinicians to identify and categorise those with early arthritis and thereby assist in guiding appropriate treatments.

Annual Incidence of Knee Symptoms and Four Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project

OBJECTIVE

To estimate annual incidence rates (IRs) of knee symptoms and 4 knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes (radiographic, symptomatic, severe radiographic, and severe symptomatic), overall and stratified by sociodemographic characteristics and knee OA risk factors.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline (1991-1997) and first followup (1999-2003) data (n = 1,518) from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. Participants were African American and white adults, ages ≥45 years, living in Johnston County, North Carolina, US. Knee symptoms were pain, aching, or stiffness on most days in a knee. Radiographic OA was Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≤2 (severe radiographic ≥3) in at least 1 knee. Symptomatic OA was defined as symptoms in a radiographically affected knee; severe symptomatic OA was defined as severe symptoms and severe radiographic OA.

RESULTS

The median followup time was 5.5 years. Average annual IRs were 6% for symptoms, 3% for radiographic OA, 2% for symptomatic OA, 2% for severe radiographic OA, and 0.8% for severe symptomatic OA. Across outcomes, IRs were highest among those with the following baseline characteristics: age ≥75 years, obese, a history of knee injury, or an annual household income ≤$15,000.

CONCLUSION

The annual onset of knee symptoms and 4 OA outcomes in Johnston County was high. This may preview the future of knee OA in the US and underscores the urgency of clinical and public health collaborations that reduce risk factors for, and manage the impact of, these outcomes. Inexpensive, convenient, and proven strategies (e.g., physical activity, self-management education courses) complement clinical care and can reduce pain and improve quality of life for people with arthritis.

Comparative Pathology of Aging Great Apes: Bonobos, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, and Orangutans

The great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans) are our closest relatives. Despite the many similarities, there are significant differences in aging among apes, including the human ape. Common to all are dental attrition, periodontitis, tooth loss, osteopenia, and arthritis, although gout is uniquely human and spondyloarthropathy is more prevalent in apes than humans. Humans are more prone to frailty, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, longevity past reproductive senescence, loss of brain volume, and Alzheimer dementia. Cerebral vascular disease occurs in both humans and apes. Cardiovascular disease mortality increases in aging humans and apes, but coronary atherosclerosis is the most significant type in humans. In captive apes, idiopathic myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyopathy predominate, with arteriosclerosis of intramural coronary arteries. Similar cardiac lesions are occasionally seen in wild apes. Vascular changes in heart and kidneys and aortic dissections in gorillas and bonobos suggest that hypertension may be involved in pathogenesis. Chronic kidney disease is common in elderly humans and some aging apes and is linked with cardiovascular disease in orangutans. Neoplasms common to aging humans and apes include uterine leiomyomas in chimpanzees, but other tumors of elderly humans, such as breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, are uncommon in apes. Among the apes, chimpanzees have been best studied in laboratory settings, and more comparative research is needed into the pathology of geriatric zoo-housed and wild apes. Increasing longevity of humans and apes makes understanding aging processes and diseases imperative for optimizing quality of life in all the ape species.

The effects of intra-articular resiniferatoxin on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic pain in rats

This study was performed to investigate whether an intra-articular injection of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor agonist, resiniferatoxin (RTX) would alleviate behavioral signs of arthritic pain in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). We also sought to determine the effect of RTX treatment on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the spinal cord. Knee joint inflammation was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA, 8 mg/50 µl) and weight bearing percentage on right and left hindpaws during walking, paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation, and paw withdrawal latency to heat were measured to evaluate pain behavior. Intra-articular administration of RTX (0.03, 0.003 and 0.0003%) at 2 weeks after the induction of knee joint inflammation significantly improved reduction of weight bearing on the ipsilateral hindlimb and increased paw withdrawal sensitivity to mechanical and heat stimuli. The reduction of pain behavior persisted for 3~10 days according to each behavioral test. The MIA-induced increase in CGRP immunoreactivity in the spinal cord was decreased by RTX treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present study demonstrated that a single intra-articular administration of RTX reduced pain behaviors for a relatively long time in an experimental model of OA and could normalize OA-associated changes in peptide expression in the spinal cord.

Defining knee pain trajectories in early symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in primary care: 5-year results from a nationwide prospective cohort study (CHECK)

BACKGROUND

GPs have high consultation rates for symptoms related to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Many risk factors for symptomatic knee OA progression remain unknown.

AIM

To define distinct knee pain trajectories in individuals with early symptomatic knee OA and determine the risk factors for these pain trajectories.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Data were obtained from the multicentre prospective Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study in the Netherlands. Participants with knee OA, according to the clinical criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and a completed 5-year follow-up were included.

METHOD

Baseline demographic, anamnestic, and physical examination characteristics were assessed. Outcome was annually assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale for pain. Pain trajectories were retrieved by latent class growth analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate relative risk ratios.

RESULTS

In total, 705 participants were included. Six distinct pain trajectories were identified with favourable and unfavourable courses. Statistically significant differences were found in baseline characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), symptom severity, and pain coping strategies between the different trajectories. Higher BMI, lower level of education, greater comorbidity, higher activity limitation scores, and joint space tenderness were more often associated with trajectories characterised by more pain at first presentation and pain progression--compared with the reference group with a mild pain trajectory. No association was found for baseline radiographic features.

CONCLUSION

These results can help differentiate those patients who require more specific monitoring in the management of early symptomatic knee OA from those for whom a 'wait-and-see' policy seems justifiable. Radiography provided no additional benefit over clinical diagnosis of early symptomatic knee OA in general practice.

The Association of Vitamin D Status and Pre-operative Physical Activity in Patients with Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is important for musculoskeletal health and may have significant implications for maintaining physical activity in elderly patients. Our goal was to investigate whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels are associated with pre-operative physical activity in patients who are offered elective knee or hip joint replacement surgery.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients who had elective knee or hip replacement surgery from 2002 to 2012. To investigate the association of serum 25OHD levels with pre-operative physical activity, as assessed by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, we performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis while controlling for age, sex, race, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, and season.

RESULTS

We identified 182 patients who met inclusion criteria. Mean (± standard deviation) 25OHD level and UCLA activity scale score were 29±13 ng/mL and 4±2, respectively. Patients with 25OHD levels <20 ng/mL were almost three times more likely to have UCLA activity scale scores ≤3 [adjusted odds ratio 2.78; 95% confidence interval 1.72-9.17]. Further adjusting for "type of 25OHD assay" or "type of joint surgery" did not materially change this result.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of knee or hip joint replacement surgery patients, 25OHD levels were associated with pre-operative physical activity scores. Prospective, randomized, clinical trials are needed to verify whether optimizing pre-operative vitamin D status may improve physical activity and influence clinical decision-making in knee or hip joint replacement surgery candidates.

Functional gain following knee replacement in patients aged 75 and older: a prospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this prospective follow-up study was to analyze which patient characteristics predict better functional ability, as well as improvement in the ability, following knee replacement in the aged. The focus was on the impact of specific comorbidities and radiologic data.

METHODS

Knee osteoarthritis patients aged ≥75 years (n = 167) scheduled for knee replacement answered to a questionnaire asking about performance in the activities of daily living (ADL) before the operation, and 1 year afterwards. Radiologic data were evaluated from the latest radiographs, and comorbidity data from patient records. The primary outcome was a sum score indicating how many ADLs (out of 10) the patient was able to perform without difficulty. The factors associated with ADL performance were analyzed with adjustment for age, gender, Charlson's comorbidity index and Kellgren-Lawrence score.

RESULTS

Knee replacement resulted in improved performance in almost all the analyzed ADL activities. Except for cardiac diseases, the effect of the analyzed comorbidities on ADL performance was not significant. Older patients and women attained lower final functional ability than younger patients and men, but improved similarly. In more progressed osteoarthritis, the final ability was lower, but the improvement gained was greater.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidity, age, or more progressed osteoarthritis should not be considered an impediment to knee replacement. Even though the final functional ability may be lower in some, the improvement gained by surgery is similar regardless of comorbidity, and was more pronounced in more progressed disease.

A Cross-sectional Examination of Vitamin D, Obesity, and Measures of Pain and Function in Middle-aged and Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is increasing with the aging population and is exacerbated by the growing numbers of obese older adults. Low levels of vitamin D, measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), in older adults and obese individuals are correlated with several negative health conditions, including chronic pain. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the interactive influence of 25(OH)D levels and obesity on knee OA pain and functional performance measures.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 256 (63% female) racially diverse (55% black/African Americans) middle-aged and older adults (mean age 56.8 y). Blood was collected for analysis of 25(OH)D by high-performance liquid chromatography. Participants provided self-report regarding knee OA pain and underwent a lower extremity functional performance test.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that obesity was associated with lower levels of 25(OH)D. Participants with adequate 25(OH)D levels reported significantly less knee OA pain compared with participants with deficient or insufficient levels, regardless of obesity status. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between obesity and 25(OH)D levels for lower extremity functional performance, such that obese individuals with adequate 25(OH)D levels demonstrated better performance than those obese participants with deficient or insufficient 25(OH)D levels.

DISCUSSION

The mechanisms by which adequate 25(OH)D levels are associated with pain severity and improved function have not been completely elucidated. It may be that the pleiotropic role of biologically active 25(OH)D influences pain and pain processing through peripheral and central mechanisms. Alternatively, higher levels of pain may lead to reduced outdoor activity, which may contribute to both obesity and decreased vitamin D. Thus, investigating vitamin D status in obese and nonobese individuals with knee OA warrants further study.

Efficacy and safety of low-dose SoluMatrix meloxicam in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain: a 12-week, phase 3 study

OBJECTIVE

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) but are associated with potentially serious dose-related adverse events (AEs). SoluMatrix meloxicam has been developed with the goal of enabling effective treatment at low doses. This phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose SoluMatrix meloxicam capsules 5 mg and 10 mg administered once daily for 12 weeks in patients with OA-related pain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blind study enrolled patients ≥40 years of age with confirmed hip or knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III) who were chronic users of NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen for OA pain and had Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale mean scores ≥40 mm. Eligible patients experienced an OA pain flare (defined as a ≥15 mm increase in the WOMAC pain subscale score) following discontinuation of NSAIDs/acetaminophen. Patients were randomized to receive once-daily SoluMatrix meloxicam 5 mg or 10 mg, or placebo for 12 weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01787188.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the mean change from baseline in WOMAC pain subscale score at week 12.

RESULTS

Low-dose SoluMatrix meloxicam 5 mg (-36.52 [2.49]; P = 0.0005) and 10 mg (-34.41 [2.68]; P = 0.0059) once-daily treatment significantly reduced the mean (standard error) WOMAC pain subscale score from baseline at week 12 compared with placebo (-25.68 [2.64]). Patients treated with SoluMatrix meloxicam 5 mg or 10 mg reported significantly greater improvements in total WOMAC score and in WOMAC stiffness and function subscale scores at 12 weeks compared with placebo. The most common AEs in the combined low-dose SoluMatrix meloxicam group were headache, diarrhea, nausea, osteoarthritis, and urinary tract infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose SoluMatrix meloxicam may have a potential role as a new therapeutic option for the management of OA-related pain.

D14 repeat polymorphism of the asporin gene is associated with primary osteoarthritis of the knee in a Mexican Mestizo population

BACKGROUND

Asporin is a novel extracellular matrix protein (ECM) with an important role in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), because it has been reported that functional polymorphisms in the aspartic acid repeat (D) of the asporin gene (ASPN) are associated with susceptibility to OA.

AIM

This study was planned to investigate the association of the ASPN polymorphism with primary OA of the knee in a Mexican population, including several countryside regions.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study in which 93 cases with primary OA of the knee and 118 controls were included. Cases included patients > 40 years of age, with a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 27 and a radiologic score for OA of the knee of ≥ 2. Controls were subjects > 40 years of age with a radiologic score of < 2. The D repeat polymorphism was genotyped and logistic regression was developed to evaluate risk magnitude.

RESULTS

The D14 allele was more common in our cases and was associated with an increased risk for developing OA, while the frequencies of the remaining alleles did not exhibit differences.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the D14 allele of the ASPN polymorphism could exert an influence on primary OA of the knee etiology in a Mexican Mestizo population.

Aesthetic discomfort in hand osteoarthritis: results from the LIège Hand Osteoarthritis Cohort (LIHOC)

Introduction

The primary complaint of patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) is frequently the inelegant appearance of their hands. Only one study has been conducted to assess the magnitude of and identify the determinants of aesthetic discomfort in hand OA.

Methods

The LIège Hand Osteoarthritis Cohort is a prospective cohort of 203 patients diagnosed with hand OA. At baseline, these patients rated their aesthetic discomfort on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) and used a Likert scale (range 0–7) to quantify the magnitude of their aesthetic damage.

Results

The median value of the aesthetic discomfort VAS was 35.0 [interquartile range (Q1–Q3) 6.0–59.0]. The median damage was rated 3.0 (Q1–Q3 1.0–4.0), corresponding to a moderate level. Both were significantly (p < 0.02) associated with the female gender, the duration of hand OA, the radiological severity of OA (Verbruggen–Veys and Kellgren–Lawrence scales) and pain, disability, or stiffness [Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN) and Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis ]. After a stepwise analysis, the parameters correlated to the aesthetic discomfort were the presence of erosive joints (p = 0.0048), the AUSCAN score (p < 0.0001), the number of joints with severe radiological damage (p = 0.023), and gender (p = 0.0009). For aesthetic damage, the parameters associated were AUSCAN score (p < 0.0001), duration of hand OA >10 years (p = 0.001), and presence of erosive joints (p < 0.0001). Compared with patients with low aesthetic discomfort (VAS ≤33 mm), those with the highest discomfort (VAS ≥66 mm) had more erosive OA (p = 0.014), a higher Verbruggen and Veys score (p = 0.0039), and a higher AUSCAN score (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Aesthetic discomfort and damage are significant complaints in patients with hand OA. The determinants of the magnitude of these are gender, radiological severity, duration of hand OA, presence of erosive joints, and impact on pain, function, and stiffness as assessed with the AUSCAN.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0807-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Can We Identify Patients with High Risk of Osteoarthritis Progression Who Will Respond to Treatment? A Focus on Biomarkers and Frailty

Osteoarthritis (OA), a disease affecting different patient phenotypes, appears as an optimal candidate for personalized healthcare. The aim of the discussions of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) working group was to explore the value of markers of different sources in defining different phenotypes of patients with OA. The ESCEO organized a series of meetings to explore the possibility of identifying patients who would most benefit from treatment for OA, on the basis of recent data and expert opinion. In the first meeting, patient phenotypes were identified according to the number of affected joints, biomechanical factors, and the presence of lesions in the subchondral bone. In the second meeting, summarized in the present article, the working group explored other markers involved in OA. Profiles of patients may be defined according to their level of pain, functional limitation, and presence of coexistent chronic conditions including frailty status. A considerable amount of data suggests that magnetic resonance imaging may also assist in delineating different phenotypes of patients with OA. Among multiple biochemical biomarkers identified, none is sufficiently validated and recognized to identify patients who should be treated. Considerable efforts are also being made to identify genetic and epigenetic factors involved in OA, but results are still limited. The many potential biomarkers that could be used as potential stratifiers are promising, but more research is needed to characterize and qualify the existing biomarkers and to identify new candidates.

T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging quantification of early articular cartilage degeneration in a rabbit model

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious problem in the recent aging society, and early diagnosis and intervention of articular cartilage degeneration are very important for the onset of OA. Therefore, development of newer MRI techniques is necessary and expected for detection of early articular cartilage degeneration.

Methods

24 rabbits were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups (Group A, B, C, D) to establish articular cartilage models in different grades of early degeneration by injecting papain into the left knee joint cavity. Another 8 rabbits were considered as blank control (Group E), and then randomized into four subgroups (E_A, E_B, E_C, E_D). T_1ρ and T₂-weighted images of the bilateral knee joints were obtained for rabbits by using 3.0 T MRI. Group A, B, C, and D were imaged respectively at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-operation, and E_A, E_B, E_C, E_D underwent the same period imaging. Rabbits were sacrificed after scanning and the femoral condyle cartilage (FCC) was histological examined. T_1ρ values of the femoral condyle cartilage were measured and statistically analyzed, and contrasted with the histologic results.

Results

T_1ρ values of the left side in experimental groups were significantly higher than the right side (P < 0.05), and which increased gradually with the passage of post-operation time (P < 0.05). Histological examination demonstrated the proteoglycan content of the left side decreased, and indicated the occurrence of early degeneration.

Conclusions

T_1ρ MRI can sensitively and quantitatively reflect the change in proteoglycans prior to the morphologic alterations of articular cartilage, and T_1ρ value is gradually increased with a decrease in proteoglycan content, therefore that T_1ρ could potentially act as a reliable tool to identify early cartilage degeneration.

Effectiveness and Safety of Manufactured Chinese Herbal Formula for Knee Osteoarthritis: Insights from a Systematic Review

Objective. To assess the current clinical evidence of manufactured Chinese herbal formulae (MCHF) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods. Seven databases were searched from inception to May 2015. Eligible randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of MCHF for KOA were included. Data extraction, methodological assessment, and meta-analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. Results. A total of 17 kinds of MCHF were identified from the twenty-six included trials. Meta-analyses showed that MCHF significantly relieved the global pain of knee joints, either used alone or combined with routine treatments. Additionally, MCHF plus routine treatments significantly decreased the scores of WOMAC and Lequesne index. However, there were no statistical differences between MCHF group and routine treatment group in walk-related pain and WOMAC scores. No significant differences were found in Lysholm scores. There were twenty-one trials that mentioned adverse events. A pooled analysis showed that adverse events occurred more frequently in control group compared with MCHF group. Conclusions. Our results indicated that MCHF showed some potential benefits for KOA. However, we still cannot draw firm conclusions due to the poor methodological quality of included trials. More high-quality RCTs would help to confirm the evidence.

Characterization of hip and knee arthroplasties and factors associated with infection

OBJECTIVE

To characterize arthroplasty procedures, calculate the surgical infection rate and identify related risk factors.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Data on operations performed between 2010 and 2012 were gathered from documental sources and were analyzed with the aid of statistical software, using Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS

421 total arthroplasty procedures performed on 346 patients were analyzed, of which 208 were on the knee and 213 on the hip. It was found that 18 patients (4.3%) were infected. Among these, 15 (83.33%) were reoperated and 2 (15.74%) died. The prevalence of infection in primary total hip arthroplasty procedures was 3%; in primary total knee arthroplasty, 6.14%; and in revision of total knee arthroplasty, 3.45%. Staphylococcus aureus was prevalent. The length of the surgical procedure showed a tendency toward being a risk factor (p = 0.067).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of infection in cases of primary total knee arthroplasty was greater than in other cases. No statistically significant risk factors for infection were identified.

High-intensity versus low-intensity physical activity or exercise in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Exercise or physical activity is recommended for improving pain and functional status in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. These are complex interventions whose effectiveness depends on one or more components that are often poorly identified. It has been suggested that health benefits may be greater with high-intensity rather than low-intensity exercise or physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of high- versus low-intensity physical activity or exercise programs in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; issue 06, 2014), MEDLINE (194 8 to June 2014) , EMBASE (198 0 to June 2014), CINAHL (1982 to June 2014), PEDro (1929 to June 2014), SCOPUS (to June 2014) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Registry Platform (to June 2014) for articles, without a language restriction. We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings, trials, and reference lists and contacted researchers and experts in the field to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials of people with knee or hip osteoarthritis that compared high- versus low-intensity physical activity or exercise programs between the experimental and control group.High-intensity physical activity or exercise programs training had to refer to an increase in the overall amount of training time (frequency, duration, number of sessions) or the amount of work (strength, number of repetitions) or effort/energy expenditure (exertion, heart rate, effort).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data on trial details. We contacted authors for additional information if necessary. We assessed the quality of the body of evidence for these outcomes using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included reports for six studies of 656 participants that compared high- and low-intensity exercise programs; five studies exclusively recruited people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (620 participants), and one study exclusively recruited people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (36 participants). The majority of the participants were females (70%). No studies evaluated physical activity programs. We found the overall quality of evidence to be low to very low due to concerns about study limitations and imprecision (small number of studies, large confidence intervals) for the major outcomes using the GRADE approach. Most of the studies had an unclear or high risk of bias for several domains, and we judged five of the six studies to be at high risk for performance, detection, and attrition bias.Low-quality evidence indicated reduced pain on a 20-point Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale (mean difference (MD) -0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.63 to -0.04; 4% absolute reduction, 95% CI -8% to 0%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 11, 95% CI 14 to 22) and improved physical function on the 68-point WOMAC disability subscale (MD -2.65, 95% CI -5.29 to -0.01; 4% absolute reduction; NNTB 10, 95% CI 8 to 13) immediately at the end of the exercise programs (from 8 to 24 weeks). However, these results are unlikely to be of clinical importance. These small improvements did not continue at longer-term follow-up (up to 40 weeks after the end of the intervention). We are uncertain of the effect on quality of life, as only one study reported this outcome (0 to 200 scale; MD 4.3, 95% CI -6.5 to 15.2; 2% absolute reduction; very low level of evidence).Our subgroup analyses provided uncertain evidence as to whether increased exercise time (duration, number of sessions) and level of resistance (strength or effort) have an impact on the exercise program effects.Three studies reported withdrawals due to adverse events. The number of dropouts was small. Only one study systematically monitored adverse effects, but four studies reported some adverse effects related to knee pain associated with an exercise program. We are uncertain as to whether high intensity increases the number of adverse effects (Peto odds ratio 1.72, 95% CI 0.51 to 5.81; - 2% absolute risk reduction; very low level of evidence). None of the included studies reported serious adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We found very low-quality to low-quality evidence for no important clinical benefit of high-intensity compared to low-intensity exercise programs in improving pain and physical function in the short term. There was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of different types of intensity of exercise programs.We are uncertain as to whether higher-intensity exercise programs may induce more harmful effects than those of lower intensity; this must be evaluated by further studies. Withdrawals due to adverse events were poorly monitored and not reported systematically in each group. We downgraded the evidence to low or very low because of the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision.The small number of studies comparing high- and low-intensity exercise programs in osteoarthritis underscores the need for more studies investigating the dose-response relationship in exercise programs. In particular, further studies are needed to establish the minimal intensity of exercise programs needed for clinical effect and the highest intensity patients can tolerate. Larger studies should comply with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist and systematically report harms data to evaluate the potential impact of highest intensities of exercise programs in people with joint damage.

Mild Joint Symptoms Are Associated with Lower Risk of Falls than Asymptomatic Individuals with Radiological Evidence of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) exacerbates skeletal muscle functioning, leading to postural instability and increased falls risk. However, the link between impaired physical function, OA and falls have not been elucidated. We investigated the role of impaired physical function as a potential mediator in the association between OA and falls. This study included 389 participants [229 fallers (≥2 falls or one injurious fall in the past 12 months), 160 non-fallers (no history of falls)], age (≥65 years) from a randomized controlled trial, the Malaysian Falls Assessment and Intervention Trial (MyFAIT). Physical function was assessed using Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Functional Reach (FR) tests. Knee and hip OA were diagnosed using three methods: Clinical, Radiological and Self-report. OA symptom severity was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The total WOMAC score was categorized to asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe symptoms. Individuals with radiological OA and ‘mild’ overall symptoms on the WOMAC score had reduced risk of falls compared to asymptomatic OA [OR: 0.402(0.172–0.940), p = 0.042]. Individuals with clinical OA and ‘severe’ overall symptoms had increased risk of falls compared to those with ‘mild’ OA [OR: 4.487(1.883–10.693), p = 0.005]. In individuals with radiological OA, mild symptoms appear protective of falls while those with clinical OA and severe symptoms have increased falls risk compared to those with mild symptoms. Both relationships between OA and falls were not mediated by physical limitations. Larger prospective studies are needed for further evaluation.

The impact of 12 weeks walking football on health and fitness in males over 50 years of age

Aim

To describe and characterise anthropometrical and fitness changes following a 12-week walking football programme in individuals over the age of 50 years.

Methods

Following ethical approval, 10 male participants (mean (SD): age 66 (7) years) with a range of comorbidities completed a 12-week walking football programme, consisting of a single 2 h training session each week. Body mass, fat mass, fat free mass, maximal oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate, exercise time to exhaustion and isometric hand-grip strength, were assessed at baseline and immediately following the intervention. Week-0–12 intervention differences were determined using means (95% CIs) and t tests; effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d (0.2 small, 0.5 medium, 0.8 large).

Results

12 weeks walking football significantly reduced body fat mass (week 0, 27.4 (9.0) kg versus week 12, 24.4 (8.9) kg, p=<0.05, d=1.0) and reduced percentage body fat (week 0, 30.3 (8.2) % versus week 12, 27.5 (8.5) %, p=<0.05, d=1.0). A significant increase in time to volitional exhaustion during increamental exercise (week 0, 545 (102) s versus week 12, 603 (102) s, p=<0.05, d=0.7) was observed without any change in peak blood lactate. Non-significant differences with medium effect sizes were seen for a reduction whole body mass, increase in lean body mass and a reduction in body mass index.

Conclusions

This investigation suggests the potential efficacy of walking football as a public health intervention, even in populations presenting a range of comorbidities, with future research investigating its move to scale.

Gender differences between WOMAC index scores, health-related quality of life and physical performance in an elderly Taiwanese population with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the importance of the WOMAC index score, health-related quality of life and physical performance in each domain affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to identify gender differences in the importance of these domains and physical performances.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a population-based study for radiographic knee OA among participants aged more than 65 years. Demographic data were collected and anthropometric measurement, radiographic assessment, the WOMAC index score, the short-form 12 (SF-12), the Timed and Up to Go Test (TUGT) and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) were performed.

RESULT

There were 901 individuals (409 males and 492 females) aged 74.04±6.92 (male: 76.35±7.33; female: 72.12±5.92) years included in this study. The WOMAC scores of participants with OA were higher than those without OA in males and females (male: 11.97±15.79 vs 8.23±12.84, p<0.001; female: 10.61±14.97 vs 7.59±3.31, p=0.032). The physical component summary (PCS) score was only significant in females with knee OA (62.14±24.66 vs 66.59±23.85, p=0.043), while the mental component summary (MCS) score was only significant in males with knee OA (78.02±18.59 vs 81.98±15.46, p=0.02). The TUGT and FTSST were not significant in individuals with and without OA in males and females. Moreover, the multivariate results for the WOMAC score were significant for females (3.928 (95% CI 1.287 to 6.569), p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The PCS domains of SF-12 and MCS domains of SF-12 are crucial in Taiwanese females and elderly males, respectively, with knee OA. Different evaluation and treatment strategies based on gender differences should be considered in elderly Taiwanese patients with knee OA to improve their quality of life.

Do knee osteoarthritis and fat-free mass interact in their impact on health-related quality of life in men? Results from a population-based cohort

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether obesity and other risk factors interact with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in its adverse impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

In 1,262 participants of the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity Study, a population-based cohort (age 45-65 years, 53% women, and median body mass index [BMI] 27 kg/m(2) ), knee OA was defined following modified American College of Rheumatology criteria. BMI and fat-free mass (as proxy for muscle mass) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and comorbidities by self-report. HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 physical component summary (PCS) score. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between knee OA and PCS score, adjusting for age and sex and stratified for BMI, fat-free mass, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Knee OA (prevalence 16%) was associated with a 7.2-points lower PCS score (95% confidence interval -9.5, -4.8). PCS score was also negatively associated with obesity and comorbidities; however, no interaction with knee OA was seen. Low fat-free mass was associated with a lower PCS score and interacted with knee OA in men. Interaction between concurring OA and low fat-free mass attributed to 64% of the decrease in PCS score, as compared with men without OA and with high fat-free mass.

CONCLUSION

Knee OA was associated with a lower HRQOL, as were its risk factors, obesity, comorbidities, and low fat-free mass. In men, fat-free mass interacted with knee OA, leading to an additional decrease of HRQOL in the case of concurrence. Especially in the former, improvement of fat-free mass may improve HRQOL in knee OA patients.

Optimizing Patient Preparation and Surgical Experience Using eHealth Technology

With population growth and aging, it is expected that the demand for surgical services will increase. However, increased complexity of procedures, time pressures on staff, and the demand for a patient-centered approach continue to challenge a system characterized by finite health care resources. Suboptimal care is reported in each phase of surgical care, from the time of consent to discharge and long-term follow-up. Novel strategies are thus needed to address these challenges to produce effective and sustainable improvements in surgical care across the care pathway. The eHealth programs represent a potential strategy for improving the quality of care delivered across various phases of care, thereby improving patient outcomes. This discussion paper describes (1) the key functions of eHealth programs including information gathering, transfer, and exchange; (2) examples of eHealth programs in overcoming challenges to optimal surgical care across the care pathway; and (3) the potential challenges and future directions for implementing eHealth programs in this setting. The eHealth programs are a promising alternative for collecting patient-reported outcome data, providing access to credible health information and strategies to enable patients to take an active role in their own health care, and promote efficient communication between patients and health care providers. However, additional rigorous intervention studies examining the needs of potential role of eHealth programs in augmenting patients' preparation and recovery from surgery, and subsequent impact on patient outcomes and processes of care are needed to advance the field. Furthermore, evidence for the benefits of eHealth programs in supporting carers and strategies to maximize engagement from end users are needed.

Projection Stereolithographic Fabrication of Human Adipose Stem Cell-Incorporated Biodegradable Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

The poor self-healing ability of cartilage necessitates the development of methods for cartilage regeneration. Scaffold construction with live stem cell incorporation and subsequent differentiation presents a promising route. Projection stereolithography (PSL) offers high resolution and processing speed as well as the ability to fabricate scaffolds that precisely fit the anatomy of cartilage defects using medical imaging as the design template. We report here the use of a visible-light-based PSL (VL-PSL) system to encapsulate human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) into a biodegradable polymer [poly-d,l-lactic acid/polyethylene glycol/poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA-PEG)]/hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix to produce live cell constructs with customized architectures. After fabrication, hASCs showed high viability (84%) and were uniformly distributed throughout the constructs, which possessed high mechanical properties with a compressive modulus of 780 kPa. The hASC-seeded constructs were then cultured in control or TGF-β3-containing chondrogenic medium for up to 28 days. In chondrogenic medium-treated group (TGF-β3 group), hASCs maintained 77% viability and expressed chondrogenic genes Sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan at 11, 232, and 2.29 × 10(5) fold increases, respectively compared to levels at day 0 in non-chondrogenic medium. The TGF-β3 group also produced a collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix, detected by immunohistochemistry, Alcian blue staining, and Safranin O staining suggesting robust chondrogenesis within the scaffold. Without chondroinductive addition (Control group), cell viability decreased with time (65% at 28 days) and showed poor cartilage matrix deposition. After 28 days, mechanical strength of the TGF-β3 group remained high at 240 kPa. Thus, the PSL and PDLLA-PEG/HA-based fabrication method using adult stem cells is a promising approach in producing mechanically competent engineered cartilage for joint cartilage resurfacing.

Genetic effects of common polymorphisms in estrogen receptor alpha gene on osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene has been implicated in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the results are conflicting. We assessed the association of three common ESR1 polymorphisms, rs2234693, rs9340799 and rs2228480, with OA in this meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed to identify related studies. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using fixed or random effects model.

RESULTS

15 studies (7036 cases and 9669 controls) for rs2234693 polymorphism, 14 studies (3904 cases and 6991 controls) for rs9340799 and 3 studies (331 cases and 619 controls) for rs2228480 polymorphism were identified. The final results indicated that the G allele in ESR1 rs9340799 was associated with decreased OA risk (GG+GA vs. AA: OR=0.878, 95% CI=0.792-0.972, P=0.012; G vs. A: OR=0.902, 95% CI=0.836-0.975, P=0.009). The A allele in rs2228480 might be associated with increased OA risk. But no significant association of rs2234693 polymorphism with OA susceptibility was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates rs9340799 and rs2228480 rather than rs2234693 polymorphisms are associated with the incidence of OA. Some stable associations should be further confirmed in future.

Stearic acid induces proinflammatory cytokine production partly through activation of lactate-HIF1α pathway in chondrocytes

The biomechanics stress and chronic inflammation in obesity are causally linked to osteoarthritis. However, the metabolic factors mediating obesity-related osteoarthritis are still obscure. Here we scanned and identified at least two elevated metabolites (stearic acid and lactate) from the plasma of diet-induced obese mice. We found that stearic acid potentiated LDH-a-dependent production of lactate, which further stabilized HIF1α protein and increased VEGF and proinflammatory cytokine expression in primary mouse chondrocytes. Treatment with LDH-a and HIF1α inhibitors notably attenuated stearic acid-or high fat diet-stimulated proinflammatory cytokine production in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, positive correlation of plasma lactate, cartilage HIF1α and cytokine levels with the body mass index was observed in subjects with osteoarthritis. In conclusion, saturated free fatty acid induced proinflammatory cytokine production partly through activation of a novel lactate-HIF1α pathway in chondrocytes. Our findings hold promise of developing novel clinical strategies for the management of obesity-related diseases such as osteoarthritis.

How much do rheumatologists and orthopaedists doctors' modalities impact the cost of arthritis in Cyprus?

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is one of the primary causes of long-term functional disability. With an estimated 13.5% prevalence in the general population contributes to a significant financial burden both for patients and healthcare systems. The purpose of this research is to highlight the direct annual cost of the disease to the private healthcare sector of Nicosia.

METHODS

A questionnaire based on Greek and international research was completed between 10/1/2012 and 11/30/2012, with a sample of 20 doctors specialists in orthopaedics and rheumatology (50% of practising physicians in the private sector). An assessment of the annual cost of medical procedures and tests, pharmacologic therapies (modalities) and supplies per patient followed, based on current costs. Direct costs were assessed through the micro-costing "bottom-up" approach. We isolated and separately priced the original diagnosis, followed by each stage of the disease.

RESULTS

The cost for the six predominant medical tests to establish a diagnosis and exclude mainly RA such as ESR, CPR, and X-ray as well as a physician's office visit was 150€ per patient. The average direct cost per patient during stages 1, 2 and 3 of the disease was 280.54€, 1,834.64€ and 5,641.72€ annually, respectively, with an annual average of 2,573€ per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though during the period of the study, the country had not yet established clinical guidelines, the participating physicians followed international practices. Significant rise in the cost in each stage of the disease was found, with additional increases in the following years as a result of the expected increased prevalence of the disease. It is noted here that uninsured patients, as well as those who qualified for free medical care, they seek these services in the private sector, and had to pay out of pocket money for examination and treatment. These patients, thus, contended with a serious financial burden. Therefore, it is important to inform them very extensively regarding evidence-based management of the disease to aid them in coping with this chronic illness.

The relationship of autophagy defects to cartilage damage during joint aging in a mouse model

OBJECTIVE

Aging is a main risk factor for osteo arthritis (OA), the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Defects in autophagy, an essential cellular homeostasis mechanism, have recently been observed in OA articular cartilage. The objectives of this study were to establish the constitutive level of autophagy activation in normal cartilage and to monitor the temporal relationship between changes in autophagy and aging-related degradation of cartilage in a mouse model.

METHODS

In GFP-LC3-transgenic mice, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-light chain 3 (LC3) is ubiquitously expressed, and the accumulation of GFP puncta, representing autophagosomes, was quantified by confocal microscopy as a measure of autophagy activation. Expression of the autophagy proteins autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG-5) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Cartilage cellularity, apoptotic cell death, and cartilage structural damage and changes in synovium and bone were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Basal autophagy activation was detected in liver and knee articular cartilage from young (6-month-old) mice, with higher levels in cartilage than in liver in the same animals. In 28-month-old mice, there was a statistically significant reduction in the total number of autophagic vesicles per cell (P < 0.01) and in the total area of vesicles per cell (P < 0.01) in the articular cartilage as compared to that from young 6-month-old mice. With increasing age, the expression of ATG-5 and LC3 decreased, and this was followed by a reduction in cartilage cellularity and an increase in the apoptosis marker poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase p85. Cartilage structural damage progressed in an age-dependent manner subsequent to the autophagy changes.

CONCLUSION

Autophagy is constitutively activated in normal cartilage. This is compromised with aging and precedes cartilage cell death and structural damage.