Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain: A Review.

Importance: Approximately 5% of all primary care visits in adults are related to knee pain. Osteoarthritis (OA), patellofemoral pain, and meniscal tears are among the most common causes of knee pain. Observations: Knee OA, affecting an estimated 654 million people worldwide, is the most likely diagnosis of knee pain in patients aged 45 years or older who present with activity-related knee joint pain with no or less than 30 minutes of morning stiffness (95% sensitivity; 69% specificity). Patellofemoral pain typically affects people younger than 40 years who are physically active and has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 25%. The presence of anterior knee pain during a squat is approximately 91% sensitive and 50% specific for patellofemoral pain. Meniscal tears affect an estimated 12% of the adult population and can occur following acute trauma (eg, twisting injury) in people younger than 40 years. Alternatively, a meniscal tear may be a degenerative condition present in patients with knee OA who are aged 40 years or older. The McMurray test, consisting of concurrent knee rotation (internal or external to test lateral or medial meniscus, respectively) and extension (61% sensitivity; 84% specificity), and joint line tenderness (83% sensitivity; 83% specificity) assist diagnosis of meniscal tears. Radiographic imaging of all patients with possible knee OA is not recommended. First-line management of OA comprises exercise therapy, weight loss (if overweight), education, and self-management programs to empower patients to better manage their condition. Surgical referral for knee joint replacement can be considered for patients with end-stage OA (ie, no or minimal joint space with inability to cope with pain) after using all appropriate conservative options. For patellofemoral pain, hip and knee strengthening exercises in combination with foot orthoses or patellar taping are recommended, with no indication for surgery. Conservative management (exercise therapy for 4-6 weeks) is also appropriate for most meniscal tears. For severe traumatic (eg, bucket-handle) tears, consisting of displaced meniscal tissue, surgery is likely required. For degenerative meniscal tears, exercise therapy is first-line treatment; surgery is not indicated even in the presence of mechanical symptoms (eg, locking, catching). Conclusions and Relevance: Knee OA, patellofemoral pain, and meniscal tears are common causes of knee pain, can be diagnosed clinically, and can be associated with significant disability. First-line treatment for each condition consists of conservative management, with a focus on exercise, education, and self-management.

Pain, function, and radiographic disease in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (OA) produces significant functional impairment due to pain and loss of strength in both power and precision grips, but few studies have related radiographic scores to functional and pain-based measures. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between markers of radiographic disease and outcomes for symptomatic and functional disease. STUDY DESIGN: This study in an exploratory analysis of baseline data from the first 100 participants in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of combined conservative therapies for base of thumb OA (COMBO). METHODS: Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain were recorded for the index hand. Bilateral isometric grip and tip-pinch strength measurements were taken, as well as posteroanterior and Eaton stress-view hand radiographs. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs), univariate, and multivariate analyses were used according to whether the data were bilateral or unilateral. RESULTS: A total of 79 females and 21 males were included, with a median Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade of 3 in the index hand. Higher KL and Eaton grades were associated with lower grip strength in the GEE analysis (B-coefficients of -1.25 and -1.16, and P-values of .002 and .010, respectively). Higher KL grade was also associated with poorer function and higher pain levels in the multivariable analysis (B-coefficients of 1.029 and 3.681, and P-values of .021 and .047, respectively). Lower radial subluxation ratios were associated with lower grip strength in the GEE analysis, and higher pain scores in the multivariable analysis (B-coefficients of 2.06 and -42.1, and P-values of .006 and .031, respectively). Greater pain scores were also associated with poorer function (B-coefficient 0.082, P-value .001). CONCLUSION: More advanced radiographic trapeziometacarpal OA severity is associated with lower grip strength and poorer self-reported functional outcomes. Lower subluxation ratios were associated with higher pain scores and lower grip strength.

Reliability and Convergent Construct Validity of Quantitative Ultrasound for Synovitis, Meniscal Extrusion, and Osteophyte in Knee Osteoarthritis With MRI.

AIMS: To determine: 1) inter-rater reliability of quantitative measurements of ultrasound-detected synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes; and 2) construct (convergent) validity via correlations and absolute agreements between ultrasound- and gold-standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-outcomes in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Dynamic ultrasound images for supra-patellar synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes were acquired and quantified by a physician operator, musculoskeletal ultrasonographer, and medical student independently. On the same day, 3T MRI images were acquired. Effusion-synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes were quantified on sagittal or coronal proton-density-weighted fat-suppressed noncontrast TSE sequences, respectively. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson's correlations (r), and Bland-Altman plots were used to analyze inter-rater reliability, and correlations, and agreements between the two imaging modalities. RESULTS: Eighty-nine participants [48 females (53.9%)] with mean (standard deviation) age of 61.5 ± 6.9 years were included. The inter-rater reliability was excellent for osteophytes (ICC range = 0.90-0.96), meniscal extrusion (ICC range = 0.90-0.93), and synovitis (ICC range = 0.86-0.88). The correlations between ultrasound pathologies and their MRI counterparts were very strong (ICC range = 0.85-0.98) except for lateral meniscal extrusion [0.66 (95% CI, 0.52-0.76)]. Bland-Altman plots showed 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.53, and 0.60 mm larger size in ultrasound medial tibial and medial femoral osteophytes, medial meniscal extrusions, synovitis, and lateral meniscal extrusions with 95% limits of agreements [±0.39, ±0.44, ±0.85, ±0.70, and ±0.90 (SDs)] than MRI measures, respectively. The lines of equality were within 95% CI of the mean differences (bias) only for medial osteophytes and medial meniscal extrusion. CONCLUSION: The quantitative assessment of synovitis, meniscal extrusion, and osteophytes generally showed excellent inter-rater reliability and strong correlations with MRI-based measurements. Absolute agreement was strong for medial tibiofemoral pathologies.

The Effect of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in Adults Aged 80 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise on physical and psychosocial outcomes in community-dwelling adults aged 80 years or older. Databases were searched from inception to July 8, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened by two reviewers who extracted data and assessed study quality. Sixteen RCTs (1,660 participants) were included. Compared to nonexercise controls there was no evidence of an effect of exercise on performance based (standardized mean differences: 0.58, 95% confidence interval: [-0.19, 1.36]; I2: 89%; six RCTs; 290 participants; very low-quality evidence) or self-reported physical function (standardized mean differences: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: [-0.78, 3.48]; I2: 96%; three RCTs; 280 participants; very low-quality evidence) at short-medium term follow-up. Four RCTs reporting psychosocial outcomes could not be combined in meta-analysis and reported varying results. Exercise appeared to reduce the risk of mortality during follow-up (risk ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: [0.32, 0.70]; I2: 0.0%; six RCTs; 1,222 participants; low-quality evidence).

High baseline pain is associated with treatment adherence in persons diagnosed with thumb base osteoarthritis: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Thumb osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and disabling condition. Adherence to prescribed conservative interventions may affect outcomes of thumb OA trials. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine whether baseline pain and hand function is associated with treatment adherence over 12 weeks in participants with thumb base OA. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study nested within a randomized-controlled trial. METHODS: Ninety-four participants from the intervention group were included in the analysis. Baseline pain and function were assessed using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale and the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire (0-30), respectively. Participants received a combination of treatments including education, orthosis, hand exercises, and topical anti-inflammatory gel. Adherence was measured using a daily self-reported diary. Participants were classified as non-adherent, partially adherent or fully adherent if they completed none, 1 and/or 2 or all 3 of the interventions as prescribed. Ordinal logistic regression modelling was performed. RESULTS: At 12-week follow-up, half of the participants were fully adherent to the treatments (n = 46, 48.9%), 30.9% of participants were partially adherent (n = 29) and 20.2% were non-adherent (n = 19, 20.2%). High baseline pain was a significantly associated with better adherence in the unadjusted model [OR = 3.15, 95% CI (1.18, 8.42)] and adjusted model [OR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.13, 8.20)]. Baseline function was not associated with adherence [OR = 1.03, 95% CI (0.47, 2.23)]. CONCLUSION: High baseline pain was associated with better adherence in participants with thumb base OA. Higher baseline functional impairment was not associated with better adherence.

Use of Online Information in Musculoskeletal Conditions: An Analysis of Google Trends Data.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the yearly online public interest for gout, low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, the most popular topics searched for these conditions, and the association between the change in their interest over time and the sociodemographic index of the search location. METHODS: We conducted online searches in Google Trends for the aforementioned conditions between 2004 and 2020. The search volumes for each condition (relative to all searches conducted in the period) and the top and rising related queries and topics were downloaded and summarized. RESULTS: There was a rise in the online interest for musculoskeletal conditions between 2008 and 2020, with low back pain (annual percent change, 7.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1-7.7) and neck pain (annual percent change, 7.2; 95% CI, 6.9-7.5) presenting the highest increases. There was a negative, statistically significant, but small association between change in online interest and the country's sociodemographic index for low back pain (-0.007; 95% CI, -0.011 to-0.003), neck pain (-0.005; 95% CI, 0.009 to -0.001), and rheumatoid arthritis (-0.009; 95% CI, -0.017 to -0.001) between 2013 and 2020. The interest for the cause and symptoms of the selected conditions increased over time, except for gout. The proportion of queries and topics related to treatment of all conditions decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: The worldwide interest in musculoskeletal conditions increased between 2008 and 2020. The public seems more interested in understanding what musculoskeletal conditions are and less interested in which treatment options are available. The results can guide the development of educational campaigns for musculoskeletal conditions.

Effect of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Placebo Injection on Pain and Medial Tibial Cartilage Volume in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: The RESTORE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Most clinical guidelines do not recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) because of lack of high-quality evidence on efficacy for symptoms and joint structure, but the guidelines emphasize the need for rigorous studies. Despite this, use of PRP in knee OA is increasing. Objective: To evaluate the effects of intra-articular PRP injections on symptoms and joint structure in patients with symptomatic mild to moderate radiographic medial knee OA. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized, 2-group, placebo-controlled, participant-, injector-, and assessor-blinded clinical trial enrolled community-based participants (n = 288) aged 50 years or older with symptomatic medial knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or 3) in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, from August 24, 2017, to July 5, 2019. The 12-month follow-up was completed on July 22, 2020. Interventions: Interventions involved 3 intra-articular injections at weekly intervals of either leukocyte-poor PRP using a commercially available product (n = 144 participants) or saline placebo (n = 144 participants). Main Outcomes and Measures: The 2 primary outcomes were 12-month change in overall average knee pain scores (11-point scale; range, 0-10, with higher scores indicating worse pain; minimum clinically important difference of 1.8) and percentage change in medial tibial cartilage volume as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-one secondary outcomes (25 symptom related and 6 MRI assessed; minimum clinically important difference not known) evaluated pain, function, quality of life, global change, and joint structures at 2-month and/or 12-month follow-up. Results: Among 288 patients who were randomized (mean age, 61.9 [SD, 6.5] years; 169 [59%] women), 269 (93%) completed the trial. In both groups, 140 participants (97%) received all 3 injections. After 12 months, treatment with PRP vs placebo injection resulted in a mean change in knee pain scores of -2.1 vs -1.8 points, respectively (difference, -0.4 [95% CI, -0.9 to 0.2] points; P = .17). The mean change in medial tibial cartilage volume was -1.4% vs -1.2%, respectively (difference, -0.2% [95% CI, -1.9% to 1.5%]; P = .81). Of 31 prespecified secondary outcomes, 29 showed no significant between-group differences. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with symptomatic mild to moderate radiographic knee OA, intra-articular injection of PRP, compared with injection of saline placebo, did not result in a significant difference in symptoms or joint structure at 12 months. These findings do not support use of PRP for the management of knee OA. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Identifier: ACTRN12617000853347.

Carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint collapse is associated with increased pain but not functional impairment in persons with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the complex shape of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, a fixed joint collapse deformity of the thumb CMC (CMC1) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP1) joint can present in advanced stages of CMC1 osteoarthritis (OA), resulting in adduction of the first metacarpal (MC1) and hyperextension of the MCP1. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To determine whether joint collapse deformity is associated with worse pain and/or functional impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: This study used the baseline data from 140 patients enrolled in a longitudinal study of treatment for CMC1 OA. (efficacy of combined conservative therapies on clinical outcomes in patients with CMC1 OA). Joint collapse was determined at baseline using a pinch gauge. Pain was assessed on a visual analog scale (0-100) and function was assessed using the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire (0-30). Pain and function and the presence of joint collapse were entered in a univariate logistic regression. The final adjusted model for pain and joint collapse included age and sex. The final adjusted model for function and joint collapse included Kellgren Lawrence grade and grip strength. RESULTS: About 20% of participants demonstrated joint collapse on the tip-pinch test. The presence of joint collapse was associated with increased pain in the unadjusted [P = .047, OR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.01, 5.910)] and adjusted model [P = .049, OR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.00, 5.98)]. CONCLUSION: CMC1 patients with joint collapse reported increased pain compared with those without joint collapse. Future studies should determine the relationship between thumb hypermobility and joint collapse and how to manage these conditions effectively.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound in symptomatic thumb-base osteoarthritis: clinical, functional, radiological and muscle strength associations.

BACKGROUND: Thumb-base osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and disability This study aimed to investigate the associations of musculoskeletal ultrasound OA pathologies with the extent of pain, function, radiographic scores, and muscle strength in symptomatic thumb-base osteoarthritis. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of an ongoing clinical trial with eligibility criteria including thumb-base pain on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≥40 (0 to 100 mm), Functional Index for Hand OA (FIHOA) ≥ 6 (0 to 30) and Kellgren Lawrence (KL) grade ≥ 2. The most symptomatic side was scanned to measure synovitis and osteophyte severity using a 0-3 semi-quantitative score, power Doppler and erosion in binary score. A linear regression model was used for associations of ultrasound findings with VAS pain, FIHOA and hand grip and pinch strength tests after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, disease duration and KL grade as appropriate. For correlation of ultrasound features with KL grade, OARSI ((Osteoarthritis Research Society International) osteophyte and JSN scores, Eaton grades, Spearman coefficients were calculated, and a significant test defined as a p-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: The study included 93 participants (mean age of 67.04 years, 78.5% females). Presence of power Doppler has a significant association with VAS pain [adjusted ß coefficient = 11.29, P = 0.02] while other ultrasound pathologies revealed no significant associations with all clinical outcomes. In comparison to radiograph, ultrasonographic osteophyte score was significantly associated with KL grade [rs = 0.44 (P < 0.001)], OARSI osteophyte grade [rs = 0.35 (P = 0.001)], OARSI JSN grade [rs = 0.43 (P < 0.001)] and Eaton grade [rs = 0.30 (P < 0.01)]. Ultrasonographic erosion was significantly related with radiographic erosion [rs = - 0.49 (P = 0.001)]. CONCLUSION: From a clinical perspective the significant relationship of power Doppler with pain severity in thumb base OA suggests this might be a useful tool in understanding pain aetiology. It is important to recognise that power Doppler activity was only detected in 14% of the study so this might be an important subgroup of persons to monitor more closely. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), http://www.anzctr.org.au/ , ACTRN12616000353493.

Efficacy of intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma as a symptom- and disease-modifying treatment for knee osteoarthritis - the RESTORE trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) causes substantial pain, physical dysfunction and impaired quality of life. There is no cure for knee OA, and for some people, the disease may involve progressive symptomatic and structural deterioration over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a therapeutic agent that aims to address underlying biological processes responsible for OA pathogenesis. As such, it has the potential to improve both symptoms and joint structure. The aim of this clinical trial is to determine whether a series of injections of PRP into the knee joint will lead to a significantly greater reduction in knee pain, and less loss of medial tibial cartilage volume over 12 months when compared to a series of placebo saline injections in people with knee OA. METHODS: This will be a two-group, superiority, randomised, participant-, interventionist- and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Two hundred and eighty-eight participants aged over 50 years with painful knee OA and mild to moderate structural change on x-ray (Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 and 3) will be randomly allocated to receive either three PRP injections or three normal saline injections into the knee joint at weekly intervals. The primary outcomes will be 12-month change in average overall knee pain severity (numeric rating scale) and medial tibial cartilage volume (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Secondary outcomes include additional measures of knee pain and other symptoms, function in daily living and sport and recreation, quality of life, participant-perceived global ratings of change, and other MRI structural outcomes including meniscal and cartilage morphology, synovitis, effusion, bone marrow lesions and cartilage defects. A range of additional measures will be recorded, and a separate health economic evaluation will be performed. DISCUSSION: The findings from this study will help determine whether PRP improves both clinical and structural knee OA outcomes over 12 months when compared to a series of placebo saline injections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12617000853347 . Prospectively registered 9th of June 2017.

Does weather affect daily pain intensity levels in patients with acute low back pain? A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of various weather parameters on pain intensity levels in patients with acute low back pain (LBP). We performed a secondary analysis using data from the PACE trial that evaluated paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the treatment of acute LBP. Data on 1604 patients with LBP were included in the analysis. Weather parameters (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure) were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Pain intensity was assessed daily on a 0-10 numerical pain rating scale over a 2-week period. A generalised estimating equation analysis was used to examine the relationship between daily pain intensity levels and weather in three different time epochs (current day, previous day, and change between previous and current days). A second model was adjusted for important back pain prognostic factors. The analysis did not show any association between weather and pain intensity levels in patients with acute LBP in each of the time epochs. There was no change in strength of association after the model was adjusted for prognostic factors. Contrary to common belief, the results demonstrated that the weather parameters of precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure did not influence the intensity of pain reported by patients during an episode of acute LBP.

Visual narratives in medicine - Bridging the gap in graphic medicine with an illustrated narrative of osteoarthritis.

Objective: Visual narratives have been used in medicine to share information in the form of stories with the potential to improve understanding of conditions and change behaviours. One genre of visual narratives is "graphic medicine", which integrates comics into medical education and the delivery of healthcare. Graphic medicine can maximise the impact of research findings by presenting them in a more accessible format, which may be particularly useful in certain populations, such as those with low levels of health literacy. Those with lower health literacy levels and osteoarthritis (OA) are less likely to manage their condition with guideline recommended management strategies, experience a higher burden of disease, and have lower access to care. Our objectives were to review the current visual narratives in the field of and create a graphic medicine visual narrative based on existing research. Design: This paper summarises the current visual narratives in OA and presents a graphic medicine visual narrative to illustrate the experience of living with OA. Considerations for the dissemination of visual narratives to target audiences are also discussed. Results: The most common visual narratives in are infographics, videos, and graphic medicine. A graphic medicine visual narrative, based on previous qualitative work and informed by a framework, was created to illustrate two distinct narratives - impairment and participatory. Conclusion: Visual narratives remain an emerging field in OA but may serve as a useful resource for patients or clinicians to discuss various aspects of OA management. Future research should evaluate and validate the use of visual narratives in OA.

How does Osteoarthritis Education Influence Knowledge, Beliefs and Behavior in People with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To inform the design and implementation of osteoarthritis (OA) education for people with knee and hip OA, this review investigated: i) the impact of OA education on knowledge, beliefs and behavior, ii) how and why these changes occur. METHODS: Five databases - MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) - were searched in August 2023. Eligible studies were quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods, involving OA education interventions, assessing knowledge, beliefs and/or behavioral outcomes. An interpretivist analytic process guided data evaluation, synthesis and description of meta-themes. RESULTS: Ninety-eight studies were included (80 quantitative, 12 qualitative, 6 mixed-methods). OA education was heterogeneous in content and delivery. Outcome measures varied, with poor distinction between knowledge, beliefs and behavior constructs. Trends toward short-term knowledge improvement were observed, but there were no clear trends in beliefs or behavior change. Intrinsic factors (e.g. pre-existing beliefs) and extrinsic factors (e.g. socioeconomic factors) appeared to influence change. Three meta-themes described how and why changes may occur: i) Engagement - how individuals relate with education content and delivery, ii) Embodiment - the role of experiential factors in learning, and iii) Empowerment - the level of agency education generates. CONCLUSION: Beyond the provision of information and instruction, OA education is a complex, relational process influenced by multidimensional factors. This review identifies potentially important strategies at individual, interpersonal and community levels to support the design and delivery of engaging education that promotes holistic, embodied learning, and facilitates meaningful, empowering change.

The osteoarthritis prevention study (TOPS) - A randomized controlled trial of diet and exercise to prevent Knee Osteoarthritis: Design and rationale.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), the leading cause of disability among adults, has no cure and is associated with significant comorbidities. The premise of this randomized clinical trial is that, in a population at risk, a 48-month program of dietary weight loss and exercise will result in less incident structural knee OA compared to control. Methods/design: The Osteoarthritis Prevention Study (TOPS) is a Phase III, assessor-blinded, 48-month, parallel 2 arm, multicenter randomized clinical trial designed to reduce the incidence of structural knee OA. The study objective is to assess the effects of a dietary weight loss, exercise, and weight-loss maintenance program in preventing the development of structural knee OA in females at risk for the disease. TOPS will recruit 1230 ambulatory, community dwelling females with obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) â€‹≥ â€‹30 â€‹kg/m2) and aged ≥50 years with no radiographic (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤1) and no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of OA in the eligible knee, with no or infrequent knee pain. Incident structural knee OA (defined as tibiofemoral and/or patellofemoral OA on MRI) assessed at 48-months from intervention initiation using the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include knee pain, 6-min walk distance, health-related quality of life, knee joint loading during gait, inflammatory biomarkers, and self-efficacy. Cost effectiveness and budgetary impact analyses will determine the value and affordability of this intervention. Discussion: This study will assess the efficacy and cost effectiveness of a dietary weight loss, exercise, and weight-loss maintenance program designed to reduce incident knee OA. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05946044.

Inflammatory ultrasound features as prognostic factors of pain and functional outcomes following intra-articular platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis.

AIM: To explore inflammatory ultrasound predictors of improvements in pain and function over 2, 6, and 12 months following administration of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: Patients with painful mild-moderate radiographic knee OA from a subset of the RESTORE RCT underwent ultrasound assessment according to the standardized OMERACT scanning protocol to detect inflammatory features such as synovitis, synovial hypertrophy, and effusion with power Doppler. The study knee was treated with 3 once-weekly PRP injections obtained after centrifugation at 1500 g for 5 min. Numerical Rating Score (NRS), Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) questionnaire, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) function sub-score were used to measure pain and functional severity. Separate linear regression models were performed to determine whether baseline ultrasound-detected features of inflammation predicted the improvement in pain and function following PRP injection in both unadjusted and adjusted models for confounders. RESULTS: Forty-four participants were included, with 25 (56.8%) being female. In an unadjusted model, higher OMERACT scores for inflammatory features such as global synovitis and/or effusion were significantly associated with greater improvement in all outcomes measured at 2 months but not at 6 and 12 months for pain measures. Only global synovitis showed significant association with functional improvement at 2 and 12 months. Similar findings were observed in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound indices of knee inflammation predicted short-term improvements in pain severity and both short- and longer-term improvements in function following intra-articular PRP injection.

Combined Digital Interventions for Pain Reduction in Patients Undergoing Knee Replacement: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Digital technology represents an opportunity to improve outcomes following total knee replacement (TKR). Digitally delivered interventions have been shown to be similar to face-to-face interventions and to increase participation levels in people with osteoarthritis. Objective: To assess the effect of a digital technology package in reducing pain compared with usual care following TKR. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial recruited 102 adults after they received TKR in 3 rehabilitation hospitals in Sydney, Australia, between June 2020 and July 2021. Interventions: All participants underwent usual care. In addition to usual care, 51 participants received a digital technology package consisting of an exercise app, fitness tracker, and online health coaching. In the usual care group, 51 participants received a fitness tracker but with all notifications turned off and goals for step count, sleep, and active hours removed. Participants were followed up for 12 months (June 2021 to July 2022). Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was mean knee pain during the past week assessed using a numerical rating scale (range, 0-10, with 10 indicating worst possible pain) at 3 months. In unadjusted analyses, considered primary and based on multiple imputations, independent t tests were used to compare means between groups. Secondary outcomes, including measures of function, activity participation, and quality of life, were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model that accounted for repeated measurements. Results: Of 102 participants (mean [SD] age, 67.9 [7.2] years; 68 [67%] female; and 92 [90%] White) randomly assigned to intervention or usual care groups, 47 (92%) in each group completed the 3-month follow up. At 3 months, participants in the intervention group demonstrated small but not clinically meaningful improvements in pain compared with the usual care group in the unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis (mean difference, -0.84; 95% CI, -1.59 to -0.10; P = .03). Secondary outcomes indicated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, (mean difference, -0.94; 95% CI, -1.82 to -0.06), pain disability (mean difference, -5.42; 95% CI, -10.00 to -0.83), and sedentary behavior (mean difference, -9.76; 95% CI, -19.17 to -0.34) favoring the intervention from baseline to 3, 6, and 12 months. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, a combined digital technology program provided small but not clinically meaningful improvements in pain at 3 months and other longer-term favorable outcomes following TKR compared with usual care. Future studies should tailor digital interventions based on participants' abilities and preferences to ensure that the intervention is appropriate and fosters long-term self-management. Trial Registration: Anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12618001448235.

Predictors and Measures of Adherence to Core Treatments for Osteoarthritis.

Adherence has been proposed as a major barrier to implementing and maintaining the benefits of osteoarthritis (OA) core treatments and is influenced by many factors. Although there are reasonable data to support factors influencing adherence to exercise/physical activity in knee/hip OA populations, there is less research examining alternative interventions, or in the hand OA population. This problem is complicated by the lack of gold-standard measurement of adherence for core osteoarthritis treatments. The predictors of treatment adherence are not well understood, and findings are contradictory. Strategies incorporating behavior change techniques should be implemented to improve and maintain long-term adherence.

Determinants of quality of life and hand function among people with hand osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are to ascertain the determinants of quality of life (QoL) and hand function among persons with hand osteoarthritis (OA) and to assess the influence of hand function on QoL among persons with OA. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred and four participants in a clinical trial completed the baseline assessment. Demographic, socioeconomic, QoL (AqoL-4D), hand function (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis, FIHOA), pain assessment, radiographic and clinical characteristics of participants were measured using standard methods. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate potential associations. RESULTS: We studied 204 participants (76% female, age 65.63 ± 8.13 years, body mass index 28.7 ± 6.5 kg/m2 ) with hand OA. The mean pain score of the participants on a visual analog scale was 57.8 (SD ±13.6). There was a significant, negative moderate correlation between hand function and QoL scores except for the sense domain score. Global assessment, household income and serious illness were associated with QoL (P < .001) and explained 18% of the variance of the QoL. Pain scale, Patient Global Assessment, Mental Health Score, grip strength and cyst index were associated with hand function score and explained 26% of the variance of hand function. CONCLUSION: The results indicate increasing impairment in hand function decreases the QoL of persons with hand OA. Some determinants were significantly associated with hand function and QoL. Determinants related to hand functions may be modifiable. In future, appropriate intervention strategies should be implemented, and further studies should be conducted to identify the effectiveness of those interventions.

Predictors of Adherence to a Step Count Intervention Following Total Knee Replacement: An Exploratory Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the person-level predictors of adherence to a step count intervention following total knee replacement (TKR). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study, nested within the PATHway trial. METHODS: Participants who had recently undergone TKR were recruited from 3 rehabilitation hospitals in Sydney, Australia, for the main trial. Only data from participants who were randomized to the TKR intervention group were analyzed. Participants in the intervention group (n = 51) received a wearable tracker to monitor the number of steps taken per day. Step count adherence was objectively measured at 3 months as the number of steps completed divided by the number prescribed and multiplied by 100 to express adherence as a percentage. Participants were classified into 4 groups: withdrawal, low adherence (0%-79%), adherent (80%-100%), and >100% adherent. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify which factors predicted adherence to the prescribed step count. RESULTS: Of the 51 participants enrolled, nine (18% of 51) withdrew from the study before 3 months. Half of participants were classified as >100% adherent (n = 24%, 47%). Ten were classified as low adherence (20%), and 8 participants were classified as adherent (16%). In the univariable model, lower age (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83-0.97), higher patient activation (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.06), and higher technology self-efficacy (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00-1.06) were associated with higher adherence. After adjusting for age in the multivariable model, patient activation and technology self-efficacy were not significant. CONCLUSION: Younger age, higher patient activation, and higher technology self-efficacy were associated with higher adherence to a step count intervention following TKR in the univariable model. Patient activation and technology self-efficacy were not associated with higher adherence following adjustment for age. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(9):620-629. Epub: 9 July 2022. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11133.

Associations between radiographic features, clinical features and ultrasound of thumb-base osteoarthritis: A secondary analysis of the COMBO study.

AIM: To investigate the associations of ultrasound and radiographic features of thumb-base osteoarthritis (OA) with thumb-base pain and hand function at baseline and 12 weeks. METHOD: Data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in participants with symptomatic radiographic thumb-base OA were analyzed. Participants who finished follow up were included in this secondary analysis. Pain and hand function were assessed using self-reported measures. All participants underwent ultrasound examinations for synovitis, power Doppler signal (PDS), and osteophytes, and underwent radiography for osteophytes, joint space narrowing (JSN), and subchondral bone sclerosis at baseline. Hand pain and function were reassessed after the 12-week follow up. The associations of ultrasound and radiographic findings with clinical features were further evaluated, using linear regression analyses, after adjustment for relevant confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 166 participants (average age 66.2 years; 76.5% female) were included. At baseline, radiographic JSN and subchondral bone sclerosis were associated with hand function. There was a significant association between ultrasound-detected PDS and patient's global assessment (PGA) at baseline. Baseline radiographic JSN was significantly associated with the changes in stiffness and PGA from baseline to 12 weeks. There was no association between ultrasound features and changes in the clinical outcomes over 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that radiographic features significantly correlate with hand function, and ultrasound PDS is closely related to the PGA at baseline in thumb-base OA. Radiographic JSN may be a predictor for stiffness and PGA in thumb-base OA.