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Computational
modelling can help to predict about knee OA as it supports the clinically
observed progression of osteoarthritis in obese individuals.
Knee osteoarthritis patients suffer from debiliating pain
and inflammation due to the degradation of the knee joint. According to recent
research, computer modelling makes it possible to predict the initiation and
progression of knee osteoarthritis in overweight/obese people.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland revealed
that a computational model based on the degradation of the collagen fibril
network in the articular cartilage, was able to anticipate the onset and
progression of the condition in overweight people during a four-year follow-up.
On the other hand, osteoarthritis did not develop within this time span in
normal-weight people.
A model of the knee joint to estimate the mechanical
responses that are experienced by cartilage cells in healthy and osteoarthritic
cartridge during daily activity like walking was also developed by the
researchers.
The effect of meniscectomy- a commonly used method of knee
surgery was estimated in the study and imitated overweight on cell response.
During walking, both meniscectomy and simulated overweight substantially
increased fluid pressures in the cell and cartilage tissue, although they did
not have an consequence on the cell shape or volume in healthy cartilage.
However, in osteoarthritic cartilage, cells were compressed and elongated more,
maybe due to modified cartilage integrity.
A thorough understanding of the effects of abnormal
loading, early osteoarthritis and mechanical injuries on cellular and tissue
responses in cartilage is crucial. This knowledge will give way to develop
novel techniques for the recognition, prevention and slowing down the
progression of the disease. In the future, the ideas and techniques in the
study may become widespread in specialised health care. However, in-depth
clinical validation will be necessary before they can be implemented to
clinical use.
University of Eastern Finland
Computer model helps predict knee osteoarthritis in overweight people
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