Changes in Hematobiochemical, Radiological, and Synovial Fluid Parameter in Patients of Osteoarthritis Knee with...

A joint is the point of connection between two bones in our body. Inflammation of joint leads to several diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a common condition of debilitating joint disease mainly affecting the elderly.

In this study, we had studied correlation the cases (OA with synovial effusion) and control (OA without synovial effusion) with blood parameters, radiological and synovial fluid parameters (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF]-α levels), and the incidence of synovial effusion in radiological staging of disease. Out of 100 patients, 50 patients with OA knee with effusion and 50 patients OA knee without effusion. We concluded that incidence of synovitis knee along with raised markers of inflammation, that is, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and synovial fluid TNF-α levels was significantly higher in Stage II of OA knee, indicating that inflammation is significant part of early OA knee. Inflammation in early part of disease can lead to articular cartilage damage and rapid progression of osteoarthritic changes.

Our study concluded that OA is not only a degenerative disease but also there is significant contribution of inflammation in disease process. Targeting inflammation in synovium may delay/prevent articular cartilage damage and osteophytes formation, especially in early OA. Anti-TNF-α agents and anti-inflammatory drugs may be considered for definitive treatment of OA.