Machine learning-based bioimpedance assessment of knee osteoarthritis severity.

This study proposes a multiclass model to classify the severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) using bioimpedance measurements. The experimental setup considered three types of measurements using eight electrodes: global impedance with adjacent pattern, global impedance with opposite pattern, and direct impedance measurement, which were taken using an electronic device proposed by authors and based on the Analog Devices AD5933 impedance converter. The study comprised 37 participants, 25 with healthy knees and 13 with three different degrees of KOA. All participants performed 20 repetitions of each of the following five tasks: (i) sitting with the knee bent, (ii) sitting with the knee extended, (iii) sitting and performing successive extensions and flexions of the knee, (iv) standing, and (v) walking. Data from the 15 experimental setups (3 types of measurements×5 exercises) were used to train a multiclass random forest. The training and validation cycle was repeated 100 times using random undersampling. At each of the 100 cycles, 80% of the data were used for training and the rest for testing. The results showed that the proposed approach achieved average sensitivities and specificities of 100% for the four KOA severity grades in the extension, cyclic, and gait tasks. This suggests that the proposed method can serve as a screening tool to determine which individuals should undergo x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging for further evaluation of KOA.

Structural and functional brain changes in people with knee osteoarthritis: a scoping review.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that leads to functional disability and chronic pain. It has been shown that not only changes are generated at the joint level in these individuals, but also neuroplastic changes are produced in different brain areas, especially in those areas related to pain perception, therefore, the objective of this research was to identify and compare the structural and functional brain changes in knee OA versus healthy subjects. Methodology: Searches in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Health Source, and Epistemonikos databases were conducted to explore the available evidence on the structural and functional brain changes occurring in people with knee OA. Data were recorded on study characteristics, participant characteristics, and brain assessment techniques. The methodological quality of the studies was analysed with Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A decrease volume of the gray matter in the insular region, parietal lobe, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, visual cortex, temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and basal ganglia was found in people with knee OA. However, the opposite occurred in the frontal lobe, nucleus accumbens, amygdala region and somatosensory cortex, where an increase in the gray matter volume was evidenced. Moreover, a decreased connectivity to the frontal lobe from the insula, cingulate cortex, parietal, and temporal areas, and an increase in connectivity from the insula to the prefrontal cortex, subcallosal area, and temporal lobe was shown. Conclusion: All these findings are suggestive of neuroplastic changes affecting the pain matrix in people with knee OA.

Knee osteoarthritis pre-screening questionnaire (KOPS): cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the brazilian version-KOPS Brazilian version.

BACKGROUND: Despite the criteria already established for the classification of knee osteoarthritis (OA), a radiographic and/or clinical knee OA diagnosis usually occurs in cases of fully manifest or more advanced disease, which can make health promotion, prevention, and functional rehabilitation in more advanced stages of the disease less effective. In addition, radiographic knee OA can generate more financial costs for health services. Therefore, developing and validating screening instruments to assess the probability of development and progression of knee OA would be of great value for both clinical practice and science. OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt and investigate the measurement properties of the Knee OA Pre-screening Questionnaire Brazilian version. METHODS: A total of 250 individuals of both sexes aged between 35 and 92 years [(mean (standard deviation): 63 (11) years old; 74.1 (15.1) kg; 1.59 (0.09) m; 29.38 (5.44) kg/m2] participated in this study. The cross-cultural adaptation and analyses of the measurement properties of the KOPS Brazilian version included: (1) assessment of conceptual and item equivalence; (2) assessment of semantic equivalence; (3) assessment of operational equivalence; and (4) assessment of measurement equivalence, reliability, and validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha for the internal consistency among the six components of the KOPS Brazilian version was 0.71. The test-retest 72 h apart for each component resulted in a coefficient correlation intraclass ranging from 0.74 to 1.00. The probability of an individual randomly chosen from the population having KL ≥ 1 and KOPS Brazilian version ≥ 21 points was 0.74 (area under the curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic - AUC of ROC); furthermore, the AUC for KL ≥ 2 and the KOPS Brazilian version ≥ 23 points was 0.77. CONCLUSION: The KOPS Brazilian version is a reliable and valid instrument for early screening of knee OA in individuals aged 35 years and over in the Brazilian context.

Intra-articular injection with platelet-rich plasma compared to triamcinolone hexacetonide or saline solution in knee osteoarthritis: A double blinded randomized controlled trial with one year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of intra-articular injection (IAI) of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (TH) and Saline Solution (SS), in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial, with blinded patients and assessor. SETTING: Outpatient rheumatology service. SUBJECTS: Patients with knee osteoarthritis grades II and III. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received IAI with PRP, 40 mg TH, or SS. METHODS: Patients were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, 12 e 52 weeks with: visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at rest and movement, WOMAC questionnaire, Timed to Up and Go test, 6-min walk test, percentage of improvement, goniometry, quality of life SF-36 questionnaire, Likert scale and Kelgreen & Lawrence (KL) radiographic scale (only at baseline and 52 weeks). RESULTS: 100 patients were studied, with a mean age of 67.13(6.56) years. The TH group was superior for: percentage of improvement (versus SS group from 4 to 52 weeks); WOMAC total and pain (versus PRP group at 4 weeks); and WOMAC stiffness (versus SS group at 12 weeks). The SS group was inferior for WOMAC function (from 8 to 52 weeks). The PRP group showed lowest radiographic progression [TH 17 (51.51%) to 24 (72.72%); SS 17 (51.51%) to 30 (90.90%); PRP 20 (58.82%) to 21 (61.76%)]. CONCLUSION: The Triamcinolone Hexacetonide group was superior for percentage of improvement and WOMAC, pain and stiffness. For the WOMAC function, the Platelet-Rich Plasma group and Triamcinolone Hexacetonide group were superior to the Saline group. The Platelet-Rich Plasma group showed the lowest radiographic progression at 52 weeks of follow-up.

Cohorte histórica de artroplastia unicompartimental de rodilla en un hospital universitario chileno / Historical cohort of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in a Chilean university hospital

OBJETIVO Describir el resultado funcional informado por el paciente de una cohorte de pacientes sometidos a artroplastia unicompartimental de rodilla (AUR) en un hospital universitario chileno. MÉTODOS Se diseñó un estudio de cohorte histórica. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que se sometieron a AUR de platillo fijo entre 2003 y 2019. Un evaluador independiente se puso en contacto con los pacientes en junio de 2020. Se utilizó el índice de artritis de las universidades de Western Ontario y McMaster (WOMAC) para comparar los procedimientos de AUR (medial o lateral), la edad (mayor o menor de 70 años), y el seguimiento (más o menos de 5 años). RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 78 pacientes, en un total de 94 AURs. La mediana de edad fue de 64 años (rango: 43 a 85 años). Hubo 72 (76,6%) casos de AUR medial. Un paciente necesitó revisión para artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR). Un total de 60 pacientes (76,9%), correspondientes a 72 AURs (76,7%), fueron contactados con éxito por teléfono para el seguimiento final. La mediana del puntaje en los dominios del WOMAC fue: dolor ­ 1 (rango: 0 a 12); rigidez ­ 0 (rango: 0 a 4); y función física ­ 2 (rango: 0 a 29). La mediana del puntaje total en el WOMAC fue de 4 (rango: 0 a 44). Los pacientes sometidos a AUR lateral lograron mejores puntuaciones funcionales (p » 0,0432), y el puntaje total en el WOMAC fue similar en pacientes mayores o menores de 70 años (p » 0,3706). CONCLUSIONES La AUR es un tratamiento eficaz y reproducible para pacientes con artrosis de rodilla unicompartimental. La edad parece no afectar los resultados funcionales, y la AUR es un tratamiento eficaz en pacientes mayores de 70 años. Estos resultados deberían animar a los cirujanos de rodilla a aprender esta técnica y a los responsables de las políticas de salud pública a considerar la AUR para la osteoartritis de rodilla.

PURPOSE To describe the patient-reported functional outcome of a cohort of patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in a Chilean university hospital. METHODS A historical cohort study was designed. All patients who underwent fixedbearing UKA between 2003 and 2019 were included. An independent evaluator contacted the patients in June 2020. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to compare UKA procedures (medial or lateral), age (over or under 70 years), and follow up (longer or shorter than 5 years). RESULTS A total of 78 patients, corresponding to 94 UKAs, were included. The median age was 64 years (range: 43 to 85 years). There were 72 (76.6%) cases of medial UKA. One patient needed revision to total knee arthoplasty (TKA). A total of 60 patients (76.9%), corresponding to 72 UKAs, were successfully contacted by phone for the final follow-up. The median scores on the WOMAC domains were: pain ­ 1 (range: 0 to 12); stiffness ­0 (range: 0 to 4); and physical function ­ 2 (range: 0 to 29). The median total score on the WOMAC was 4 (range: 0 to 44). Patients submitted to lateral UKA had better functional scores (p » 0.0432), and the total WOMAC score was similar among patients older or younger than 70 years of age (p » 0.3706). CONCLUSIONS For patients with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, UKA is an effective and reproducible treatment. Age does not seem to affect the functional results, and UKA is an effective treatment in patients over 70 years old. These results should encourage knee surgeons to learn this technique and those responsible for public health policies to consider UKA for knee osteoarthritis

GAUCHO - Trial Genicular Artery Embolization Using Imipenem/Cilastatin vs. Microsphere for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) has emerged as a treatment option to improve quality of life in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe pain refractory to conservative treatment of knee osteoarthritis, with encouraging results. This paper describes the study protocol of a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of GAE using imipenem/cilastatin vs. microspheres for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that there will be no difference in safety and efficacy outcomes. The study received ethics approval of the institutional review board with number 4.364.391 / CAAE: 37590820.3.0000.5342 and is registered onto the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (ReBEC), with number RBR-2h5rwgb. Technical success was defined as embolization of at least 1 feeding artery supplying the hyperemic synovium of the knee joint. Primary outcome: clinical success was defined as improvement in symptoms, 50% reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores or an increase of at least 10 points in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score from baseline to 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcome: radiological success was defined as significant improvement in the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score for knee synovitis considering the embolized areas at 12 months of follow-up after GAE and a reduction in the analgesia or other conservative therapies for knee pain used by the patient at 3 and 12 months of follow-up. Clinical assessments will be performed before GAE, during GAE and at hospital discharge (for Visual Analog Scale of pain), and at 30 days, 3 months, and 12 months after GAE.

Two-stage bone and meniscus allograft and autologous chondrocytes implant for unicompartmental osteoarthritis: midterm results.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the clinical and radiographic evolution of patients with knee unicompartmental osteoarthritis and axis alteration and osteochondral lesions in the femoral condyle, treated with tibial plateau and meniscus allograft and cultured autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur in two steps. PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results with the first patients treated with this two-stage technique to avoid knee prosthesis in patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Sixteen patients, average age 56 years, were included in a cohort study. We performed an osteotomy with tibia plateau allograft, including the meniscus. In a second surgery, the chondrocyte fibrin scaffold was placed in the femur. Clinical symptoms and function were measured using KSSR and KOOS scores. Wilcoxon's test was performed to compare the results over the 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean KSSR before surgery was 35.69 (SD: 3.75) points, rising to 67 (SD: 15.42) at 3 months, 95.88 at 12 months (SD: 2.68) and 96.31 at 24 months (SD: 2.24). The KOOS before surgery was 65.14 (SD: 16.34), rising to 72.68 after 3 months (SD: 19.15), 76.68 at 12 months (SD: 18.92) and 64.28 at 24 months (SD: 11.79). Four of 5 patients returned to engaging in the activity that they had stopped practicing. Three patients experienced collapse of the tibia allograft, and they needed later a prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous tibia plateau allograft and autologous chondrocyte implantation in the femur, after correction of the angular deformity, were performed, restoring the anatomy of the medial compartment and knee function in 82% of the patients 2 years after the operation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

High Incidence of Osteoarthritis Observed in Patients at Short- to Midterm Follow-Up after Delayed Multiligament Knee Reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of knee osteoarthritis, failure rate of reconstruction, and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic multiligament knee injuries subjected to surgical treatment. Sixty-two patients with chronic knee dislocation subjected to multiligament reconstruction between April 2008 and July 2016 were evaluated, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were performed in the pre- and last postoperative evaluation; the progression of degenerative changes according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL) was assessed. The Schenck classification, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), time between injury and surgery, type of postoperative rehabilitation protocol (brace vs. external fixator), and physical examination for ligament instability were also evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, p <0.05 was considered significant. Fifty-two (83.9%) patients were men and 16.1% (n = 10) were women, with a mean age of 38.8 ± 1.3 years. The time from injury to surgery was 31.1 ± 6.1 months, and the follow-up time was 6.1 ± 0.5 years. The mean final KOOS was 79.3 ± 10.4 and the overall reconstruction failure occurred in 25.8%. Of all patients, 64.5% (n = 40) presented a KL classification of ≥2 and were defined as having radiographic osteoarthritis (OA). As 11.7% (n = 7) also presented arthritis in the contralateral knee, in 53.2% (n = 33) the progression was most likely due to the initial injury. The failure of ligament reconstruction or residual instability was present in 15 (35.7%) of patients with OA, and only one patient (4.5%) without OA. In the multivariate analysis, only reconstruction failure was an independent predictor of OA (odds ratio = 13.2 [p = 0.028]). There is a high incidence of knee OA following ligament reconstruction for chronic multiligament knee injuries. Ligament reconstruction failure was the only independent predictor for the development of OA in our study.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and plasma for symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has a still conflicting efficacy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and might be a minimally invasive and safe treatment alternative. The potential benefit of only plasma (non-enriched) has never been investigated. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and plasma to improve pain and function in participants with KOA over 24 weeks. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 3 groups (n = 62): PRP (n = 20), plasma (n = 21) and saline (n = 21). Two ultrasound-guided knee injections were performed with a 2-week interval. The primary outcome was visual analog scale 0-10 cm (VAS) for overall pain at week 24, with intermediate assessments at weeks 6 and 12. Main secondary outcomes were: KOOS, OMERACT-OARSI criteria and TUGT. RESULTS: At baseline, 92% of participants were female, with a mean age of 65 years, mean BMI of 28.0 Kg/m2and mean VAS pain of 6.2 cm. Change in pain from baseline at week 24 were -2.9 (SD 2.5), -2.4 (SD 2.5) and -3.5 cm (SD 3.3) for PRP, plasma and saline, respectively (p intergroup = 0.499). There were no differences between the three groups at weeks 6 and 12. Similarly, there were no differences between groups regarding secondary outcomes. The PRP group showed higher frequency of adverse events (65% versus 24% and 33% for plasma and saline, respectively, p = 0.02), mostly mild transitory increase in pain. CONCLUSIONS: PRP and plasma were not superior to placebo for pain and function improvement in KOA over 24 weeks. The PRP group had a higher frequency of mild transitory increase in pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03138317 , 03/05/2017.

Prolidase expression in knee osteoarthritis and healthy controls: Observational study.

ABSTRACT: Prolidase enzyme activity is important for collagen resynthesis. In late stages of osteoarthritis (OA) its activity is decreased.To evaluate prolidase expression in knees of patients undergoing total arthroplasty for OA, and compare with young people undergoing knee arthroscopy due to traumatic injuries.In this cross-sectional study we included 20 patients with OA grade IV who underwent total knee arthroplasty and 20 controls of young patients who underwent arthroscopy for another reason besides OA. All participants were evaluated by knee ultrasound before the procedure. During the procedure, synovial tissue biopsies were taken and analyzed by immunofluorescence to search inflammation. Measures of central tendency, dispersion measures and position measures were used for the case of quantitative variables. Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the logistic regression of Cox, was used.Prolidase expression in the synovial biopsy was significantly lower in the OA group than in the controls (0.017 ±â€Š0.009 vs 0.062 ±â€Š0.094, P < .05). Power Doppler (PD) signal was present in the synovitis of all knee recesses of the OA group in grayscale and in 17 (85%) of knees. The mean of the micro-vessel count in patients with OA was significantly higher vs controls (11 + 5.3 vs 4 + 2.1, P = .001). The neovascularization correlated significantly with the presence of PD signal in patients with OA (1.16, 95% CI, 1.02-1.34, P = .02).The prolidase expression in the synovial membrane evaluated by immunofluorescence, in patients with late stages of knee OA, is low, which may be interpreted as an evidence of decreased collagen resynthesis.

Ultrasonography findings in knee osteoarthritis: a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 100 patients.

Worldwide, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for 2.2% of total years lived with disability. There is a low correlation between joint tissue damage and pain intensity. Periarticular structures may be involved and cannot be identified in X-rays. To describe the main ultrasonography (USG) changes in symptomatic patients with primary KOA; to correlate the number of USG findings with KOA severity assessed by Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) radiological scores, with pain intensity measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with functioning scores assessed with the Timed up and go test (TUG) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questionnaire. 100 patients with primary symptomatic KOA were assessed with X-ray and USG. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were evaluated in a systematic manner. The most frequent findings were joint effusion, pes anserinus bursitis, quadriceps tendon enthesopathy, popliteal cyst, iliotibial band tendinitis and patellar tendinitis. Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a significant moderate positive association between VAS scores and the number of USG findings (r = 0.36; p < 0.0001). The number of USG findings was different between K&L grades I and III (p = 0.041), I and IV (p < 0.001), and II and IV (p = 0.001, analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction). There was significant association between number of USG findings and TUG (r = 0.18; p = 0.014) and WOMAC scores for pain (r = 0.16; p < 0.029) and physical function domains (r = 0.16; p < 0.028). The most frequent USG finding was joint effusion. Periarticular structures should be explored as potential sources of pain and disability.

Medial femoral condyle fracture during an Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement surgery: case report.

Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has been used as a good alternative for medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis due to its association with early rehabilitation and a low rate of intraoperative complications. This case describes a rare complication during the procedure of an intraoperative fracture of the medial condyle that was treated with osteosynthesis with 6.5 mm cannulated screws and a compression technique. The patient followed a non-weight-bearing protocol for 6 weeks and reached full range of motion at 3 months. Complete radiological fusion and good functional outcome were observed. Intraoperative fractures can benefit from stable osteosynthesis that allows free range of motion and does not jeopardise the final surgical result.

Comparação de três métodos de imagem para análise da evolução da osteoartrite induzida pela ruptura do ligamento cranial em coelhos / Comparison of three imaging methods for the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life ofpatients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimedto compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by thecranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. Theradiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytesat medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) andsesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographiccomputed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateralfemoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibialcondyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy(95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes(hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness ofthe medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle...(AU)

Chemical Ablation of Genicular Nerve with Phenol for Pain Relief in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve is performed for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) when conservative treatment is not effective. Chemical ablation may be an alternative, but its effectiveness and safety have not been examined. The objective of this prospective open-label cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided chemical neurolysis for genicular nerves with phenol to treat patients with chronic pain from KOA. METHODS: Forty-three patients with KOA with pain intensity score (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS) ≥ 4, and duration of pain of more than 6 months were considered for enrollment. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blocks of genicular nerves (superomedial, inferomedial, and superolateral) with 1.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at each site were performed. Those who reported more than 50% reduction in NRS went on to undergo chemical neurolysis, using 1.5 mL 7% glycerated phenol in each genicular nerve. NRS and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed before intervention and at 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months following the intervention. RESULTS: NRS and WOMAC scores improved at all time points. Mean pain intensity improved from 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8 to 7.7) at baseline to 4.2 (95%CI: 3.5 to 5.0) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Composite WOMAC score improved from 48.7 (95%CI: 43.3 to 54.2) at baseline to 20.7 (95%CI: 16.6 to 24.7) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Adverse events did not persist beyond 1 month and included local pain, hypoesthesia, swelling, and bruise. CONCLUSION: Chemical neurolysis of genicular nerves with phenol provided efficacious analgesia and functional improvement for at least 6 months in most patients with a low incidence of adverse effects.

Reductions of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors after a 14-week periodized training model in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a periodized circuit training (CT) compared with a conventional strength training (ST) and an educational protocol (EP) on body composition, metabolic parameters, muscle strength, pain, and physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHOD: This study followed a randomized controlled trial design. A sample of sixty-one patients with KOA, 40-65 years old and BMI < 30 kg/m2, were randomly divided into three 14-week protocols: CT, ST, or EP. The CT performed whole body exercises organized in circuit, 3 times a week. The ST performed conventional resistance exercises also 3 times a week, and the EP joined in educational meetings twice a month. Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)); metabolic parameters (abdominal obesity, triglyceride, HDL, blood pressure and fasting glucose), knee maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) extension and flexion, performance-based tests (40-m walk test, 30-s chair test, and stair climb test), self-reported pain, stiffness, and physical function (WOMAC) and pain catastrophism were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare differences between groups (CTxSTxEP) at the different times of assessment (baseline × follow-up). When group-time interaction was found, a one-way ANOVA, followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test, was used to compare groups in each time point; while a paired t test was used to verify the time effect in each group. Additionally, the training effect was analyzed in terms of the percent change (Δ%). Effect size was calculated for post intervention (week 14) between groups. For all analyses a significance level of 5% was adopted (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The CT was the only protocol that presented significant lower body mass (p = 0.018; Δ% = - 1.4), fat mass (p = 0.017; Δ% = - 10.3), %fat mass (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 13.9), adipose indices (%fat trunk/%fat legs p = 0.031; Δ% = 7.8; fat mass/height2 p = 0.011; Δ% = - 15.1; trunk/limb fat mass p = 0.012; Δ% = - 8.2; visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (cm3) p = 0.039; Δ% = - 11.6; VAT area (cm2) p = 0.044; Δ% = - 12.2), blood pressure levels (SBP p = 0.042; Δ% = - 3.4 and DBP p = 0.001; Δ% = - 4.9), higher lean mass and HDL (p < 0.001; Δ% = 5.9) compared to baseline. CT and ST presented lower WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 64.0 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 0.001; Δ% = - 46.4 for ST in WOMAC total score, pain catastrophizing (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 66.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 61.5 for ST) a higher functional performance (30 s chair test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 45.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.9 for ST; 40 m walk test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 12.5 for ST; stair climb test: p = 0.002; Δ% = - 33.9 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 18.8 for ST) and knee extension MIVC (p < 0.001; Δ% = 21.92 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 30.25 for ST). CONCLUSION: A periodized CT model reduces visceral adipose tissue, SBP and DBP, and improves HDL, important cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, in patients with KOA. Both trained groups (CT and ST) improve self-reported clinical symptoms, muscle strength, and physical performance in this sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02761590 (registered on May 4, 2016). KEY POINTS: • A 14-week periodized circuit training reduces visceral adipose tissue, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improves HDL blood levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis. • Both periodized circuit training and conventional strength training improve clinical symptoms, functional performance and muscle strength in this sample.

Comparação de três métodos de imagem para análise da evolução da osteoartrite induzida pela ruptura do ligamento cranial em coelhos / Comparison of three imaging methods for the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life ofpatients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimedto compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by thecranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. Theradiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytesat medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) andsesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographiccomputed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateralfemoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibialcondyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy(95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes(hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness ofthe medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle...

Relationship between radiological severity and physical and mental health in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiological severity, as assessed by the individual grades and grouped grades (grades "0 and 1" and "2 to 4") of the Kellgren-Lawrence scale (K&Ls), and depression symptoms, cognitive loss, risk of falls, and quality of life in relation to knee osteoarthritis, as assessed by other instruments. METHODS: Data recorded between 2013 and 2014 in Amparo (São Paulo, Brazil) were retrieved for analysis. A total of 181 elderly patients who had knee osteoarthritis and underwent a radiologic exam were evaluated for depressive symptoms, cognitive loss, quality of life, and risk of falls by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up and go test (TUG), and Berg balance scale (BBS). For statistical analyses, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's coefficient analysis were used. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship between the scores of the instruments investigated and the individual K&Ls grades. However, when the K&Ls scores were assessed by groups, grades "2 to 4" were associated with the worst WOMAC score and the highest frequency and risk of falls according to the BBS but not according to TUG. For the GDS and MMSE, no significant relationships with the K&Ls grades were found. In addition, the K&Ls grade was correlated with the WOMAC score, regardless of the domain. CONCLUSION: The radiological scores of the Kellgren-Lawrence (K&L) scale were associated with poorer WOMAC and BBS scores only when the K&Ls scores were evaluated in groups, and the WOMAC score was associated with an increase in the radiological grade.

Prevalence of clinical and radiological osteoarthritis in knee, hip, and hand in an urban adult population of Mexico City.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent articular disease worldwide, and its prevalence is highly variable depending on the classification criteria, population studied, and/or affected joints considered. Reporting epidemiologic data about clinical and radiological OA prevalence in Mexico has not been done before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with participants of Mexico City, and included both men and women above 40 years of age. All participants were evaluated with radiological and clinical criteria for OA. RESULTS: Two hundred and four individuals participated in the study: 80 men (39.2%) and 124 women (60.8%). The average age was 57.4±10.9 years. Using clinical criteria alone, 36 participants were found to have hand OA (17.6%; 95% CI, 13-23.4), 37 with hip OA (18.1%; 95% CI 13.4-24), and 40 with knee OA (19.6%; 95% CI 14.7-25.6). When radiological criteria were used, 51 individuals were reported as having hand OA (25%; 95% CI 19.5-31), 54 with hip OA (26.5%; 95% CI 20.8-32.9), and 52 with knee OA (25.5%; 95% CI 20-31.8). When clinical criteria were used and then corroborated with radiological criteria, the prevalence was 28 individuals with hand OA (13.7%; 95% CI 9.6-19), 31 with hip OA (15.1%; 95% CI 10.9-20.7), and 36 with knee OA 36 (17.6%; 95% CI 12.2-26.2). DISCUSSION: The prevalences found in this study are greater than those found in other studies in Mexico that only report clinical criteria.

Dolor en la artrosis de rodilla / Pain in knee osteoarthritis

El dolor constituye el síntoma fundamental de la artrosis, sus características e interpretación permiten el diagnóstico certero y también conocer la magnitud de esa entidad. El objetivo de este trabajo, es profundizar los conocimientos sobre los elementos más esenciales relacionados con el dolor en la artrosis de la rodilla. Se describen las causas mecánicas y bioquímicas del dolor, entre las que resaltan el dolor óseo, sinovial, así como los factores bioquímicos relacionados con ese síntoma. Se hace referencia a las principales estructuras anatómicas responsables del dolor y sus mecanismos de acción. Se mencionan la relación existente entre ese síntoma y las modalidades imagenológicas, así como los patrones del dolor. Para finalizar, se hace referencia a las escalas de dolor usadas.

Pain is the main symptom of osteoarthritis. Determining the distinctive features of pain in knee osteoarthritis allows for an accurate diagnosis. This article gives a review of the results from research work on the typical features of knee osteoarthritic pain. The mechanics and biochemical causes of pain are described including both bone and synovial biochemical symptom-related factors. The relationships between knee pain, various imaging techniques and pain mechanism are also identified. Finally, the used pain scales are presented.