Joint space width measures cartilage thickness in osteoarthritis of the knee: high resolution plain film and double contrast macroradiographic investigation
Article Abstract:
X-ray measurements of joint space width (JSW) in the knees of osteoarthritis (OA) patients appears to accurately measure cartilage thickness in the medial compartment but not the lateral compartment. The accuracy of JSW measurements in monitoring disease progression has been questioned. Twenty OA patients had JSW measurements followed by double contrast macroarthrograms of the same knee. During a contrast macroarthrogram, joint fluid is removed and a contrast dye injected that is taken up by the cartilage lining the joint. X-ray pictures are then taken at 5 X magnification for detailed evaluation. The sum of the cartilage widths of over the heads of the two bones making up the joint as measured by macroarthrogram was compared with the JSW measurement. JSW reliably measured cartilage width in the medial but not the lateral compartment of the knee. Therefore, JSW can be used to evaluate cartilage thinning and compression.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Sensorimotor changes and functional performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Article Abstract:
Weakness and sensory deficits in the thigh muscles of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may impair motor control and the accurate sense of joint position and result in instability and disability. Compared to group of 25 who had no symptoms, 103 patients with knee OA had greater thigh muscle weakness associated with less voluntary activation and joint position perception and an overall decrease in function. Muscle weakness may precede and exacerbate OA, or follow as a result of arthritic damage. Improved muscle strength may reduce disability and possibly help prevent or delay knee OA.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Serum concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and bone sialoprotein in hip osteoarthritis: a one year prospective study
Article Abstract:
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) levels in the blood may indicate the progression of joint damage in osteoarthritis. Researchers monitored COMP and BSP levels in 48 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. COMP concentrations were associated with joint space narrowing, and higher in patients with arthritis in both hips. BSP concentrations were lower in patients with more bony overgrowths in their joints or greater bone sclerosis. BSP levels may be related to bone changes below the level of cartilage in osteoarthritic joints.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Benefits of patient pathways in rheumatoid arthritis care. Detecting hyperprolactinaemia in mental health patient
- Abstracts: Measuring the validity of two in-office water test kits. Centric relation: a historical and contemporary orthodontic perspective
- Abstracts: Supporting the patient. A national survey of the arrangements managed-care plans make with physicians. The growth of medical groups paid through capitation in California
- Abstracts: Prenatal health behaviors as predictors of breast-feeding, injury, and vaccination. Effectiveness of computer-generated reminders for increasing discussions about advance directives and completion of advance directive forms: a randomized, controlled trial
- Abstracts: Incidence and prognostic value of malnutrition and wasting in human immunodeficiency virus-infected outpatients