Test Improves Prediction of Knee Arthritis Progression

Researchers have developed a tool to predict those at greatest risk for primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression that incorporates using both genetic and clinical information, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in Rheumatology. By better identifying those likely to experience radiographic progression of joint degradation and the need for total knee replacement (TKR), this test may facilitate earlier diagnosis of joint destruction and enable early interventions intended to slow disease progression. The clinical outcomes of primary KOA are highly variable,” says lead author Francisco Blanco, M.D., in a statement. “Some patients may live for years without suffering significant loss of functional capability or evident radiologic progression. Instead, others may end up disabled or needing prosthetic surgery in a few years. In this, genetics play a key role: rapid progression of knee osteoarthritis is hereditary in 60 to 70 percent of all cases. Most older individuals show signs of OA. But, OA diagnosis remains based on symptomatic and radiographic presentation. Yet, the clinical course is “highly variable” and mean annual total direct costs for OA patients can be substantial, the authors report. So better prediction of those at risk for rapid progression could aid in optimizing clinical management of […]