[Study on musculuskeletal ultrasound features and correlation of knee osteoarthritis]

To compare the correlation between musculoskeletal ultrasound features, dysfunction and X-ray findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and to analyze the pathological mechanism of soft tissue inflammation in knee osteoarthritis.

Cross-sectional method was performed in this research (Evidence level: III). The patients with knee osteoarthritis were collected according to the screening criteria from September 2016 to January 2017 in Orthopedic clinic in our hospital. Musculoskeletal ultrasound and X-ray images were obtained and measured, knee function was measured by Lysholm scale. Pearson coefficient, t test and Wilcoxon were applied to analyze the correlation between soft tissue inflammation, knee dysfunction and X-ray features.

Total 123 patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited in this research. Soft tissue inflammation around knee had a high incidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis (infrapatellar fat pad inflammation 81%), and the synovial membrane thickness, joint effusion depth and meniscus bulging were beyond the normal range. Correlation analysis showed that the about Lysholm score and joint effusion depth had negative correlations with "Squat" score(r=-0.21, P=0.02). and Medial meniscus bulging had negative correlations with "Sustain" score(r=-0.26, P<0.01) and Lysholm total score (r=-0.19, P=0.04). Lateral meniscus bulging had a negative correlation with "Unstable" score (r=-0.22, P=0.02). The X-ray features, and medial joint space narrow had negative correlations with joint effusion depth(r=-0.27, P<0.01) and synovial membrane thickness(r=-0.17, P=0.007), and had a positive correlation with medial meniscus bulging. Medial joint space narrow was significantly correlated with patellar ligament inflammation and fat pad inflammation(P<0.05). Lateral joint space narrow was significantly correlated with patellar ligament inflammation(P=0.02).

Soft tissue inflammation around the knee-a major pathological manifestation of knee osteoarthritis, has significant correlations with knee dysfunction and bony structure lesions, and affects the progression of knee osteoarthritis by damaging knee joint function and promoting the destruction of articular cartilage.