Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis: biomechanical considerations

Eric A Walker; Derik Davis; Timothy J Mosher

doi:10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.008

Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis: biomechanical considerations

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2011 May;19(2):283-94. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.008.

Authors

Eric A Walker¹, Derik Davis, Timothy J Mosher

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology MC H066, Penn State University College of Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.

PMID: 21665091
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2011.02.008

Abstract

An underlying hypothesis for rapid cartilage loss in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is that perturbation from normal joint mechanics produces locally high biomechanical strains that exceed the material properties of the tissue, leading to rapid destruction. Several imaging findings are associated with focally high biomechanical forces and thus are potential candidates for predictive biomarkers of rapid OA progression. This article focuses on 3 aspects of knee biomechanics that have potential magnetic resonance imaging correlates, and which may serve as prognostic biomarkers: knee malalignment, meniscal dysfunction, and injury of the osteochondral unit.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biomechanical Phenomena
Bone Malalignment / physiopathology*
Cartilage, Articular / chemistry
Cartilage, Articular / injuries
Disease Progression
Humans
Knee Injuries / physiopathology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Menisci, Tibial / physiopathology
Osteoarthritis, Knee / physiopathology*
Risk Factors