London: With the help of an ultrasound, researchers are hoping to find out if knee inflammation could be an early sign of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is known as a "wear and tear" condition in which cartilage wears away, leaving bones rubbing together painfully. Recently scientists have shown that inflammation in the joint lining may also play a role in its development.
At the moment osteoarthritis can only be identified by X-ray, which is limited to revealing changes in bones and degeneration of cartilage.
It does not show any changes or inflammation to the surrounding soft tissue or joint lining. This inflammation may also contribute to pain and stiffness and could, in fact, be a precursor to osteoarthritis.
Up to six million people in Britain alone suffer from knee osteoarthritis. Now 200 patients, over the age of 55, are to take part in a study led by research physiotherapist Michelle Hall at the University of Nottingham.
Hall, lecturer in physiotherapy education, said, "It has been shown that people who have inflammation may develop more severe and progressive osteoarthritis and experience greater pain and disability."
"The ability to detect the presence of inflammation using ultrasound could therefore be important in terms of prognosis and selection of certain treatments," said Hall.
IANS