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Meniscal Pathology and OA Link Based on MRI

Osteoarthr Cartilage; ePub 2016 Aug 15; Antony, et al

Publish date:: August 22, 2016

Based on magnetic resonance images (MRI), morphologic deformity/extrusion and maceration, rather than intrameniscal signal or tear, were associated with osteoarthritis (OA) severity and progression, according to a recent study, which highlights the importance of differentiating distinct types of meniscal pathology. Researchers selected 463 participants (53% male, mean age 63 [9.2] years) from an ancillary project to the Osteoarthritis Initiative who had at least 1 knee with symptomatic OA. They found:

• Morphological deformity/extrusion and maceration, but no other types of meniscal pathology, were associated with bone marrow lesion (BML) volume and change in BML volume.

• Only maceration was associated with baseline Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) knee pain and prevalence of end-stage knee OA.

Citation: Antony B, Driban JB, Price LL, et al. The relationship between meniscal pathology and osteoarthritis depends on the type of meniscal damage visible on magnetic resonance images: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. [Published online ahead of print August 15, 2016]. Osteoarthr Cartilage. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.08.004.

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