Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: imaging

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Radiology and Medical Imaging

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease impacting millions globally.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for OA diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis.
• Advancements in imaging techniques are vital for a deeper understanding of OA pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review original research on human osteoarthritis imaging published between April 2015 and March 2016.
• To provide an overview of new imaging technologies and their impact on OA research.
• To analyze studies focusing on OA detection, treatment, and disease progression.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of English-language, peer-reviewed articles from Medline via PubMed.
• Search terms included "Osteoarthritis" combined with various imaging modalities (MRI, X-rays, Ultrasound, CT, PET, SPECT, etc.).
• Studies were selected based on significance to the OA imaging field and relevance to the research community.

Main Results:

• A record 1420 articles were published, showcasing new technologies for understanding OA-related joint changes.
• Imaging data focused on detecting OA, monitoring treatment effects, and predicting disease progression.
• Established methods like radiography, MRI, and ultrasound remain central, complemented by new approaches.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a pivotal role in ongoing osteoarthritis research.
• Emerging technologies and computer-aided analysis methods are enhancing conventional imaging approaches.
• These advancements promise improved morphological and pathophysiological insights into OA.