MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Adam Culvenor Ι B.Physio(Hons), PhD
Division of Physiotherapy
School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
The University of Queensland
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Culvenor: Knee injury, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, is a well-recognised risk factor for the accelerated development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies report high rates of knee osteoarthritis with radiographs (x-rays) more than 5-10 years following ACL injury and reconstruction (ACLR). However, once OA becomes well-established and visible on radiographs, management options are limited. Potential therapies may be better placed to target the early stages of disease when management strategies, such as optimising knee load, may be more efficacious. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables the assessment of early osteoarthritis features affecting any joint tissue. Yet, MRI has not previously been used to assess early knee OA within the first year following ACLR.
Medical Research: What are the main findings?
Dr. Culvenor: Of the 111 patients who were one year following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the prevalence of early knee OA assessed with MRI was much higher than previously recognised. Medial and lateral tibiofemoral osteoarthritis was observed in 6% and 11%, respectively, while 17% had patellofemoral OA. These patterns of early OA are similar to previous radiographic findings; the patellofemoral joint is at particular risk of OA. Specifically, the femoral trochlea was the region most affected by bone marrow lesions, cartilage lesions and osteophytes. The prevalence of structural pathology was much higher than the uninjured control group of similar age and activity level, highlighting the impact of knee trauma (injury and/or surgery).
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