The configuration of an individual’s kneecap might indicate their likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, according to a recent study.
The configuration of an individual’s kneecap might indicate their likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, based on new research from The Australian National University (ANU).
Lead researcher, Associate Professor Laura Wilson, notes that women suffering from knee osteoarthritis typically face more intense symptoms than men, although the reason for this disparity remains unclear. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis and results in painful, stiff, and swollen joints.
The research team aimed to explore if kneecap shape could be an influencing factor.
“Our focus was on the kneecap as a significant source of pain for those experiencing knee osteoarthritis,” remarked Associate Professor Wilson.
“Research shows that some characteristics of the femur, part of the knee joint, differ in shape between women and men, leading us to hypothesize that we might encounter gender variations in kneecap shape as well.”
The research group, which includes former ANU Master’s student Jo Ménard, alongside other ANU researchers and The Canberra Hospital staff, gathered CT scans from a wide range of healthy individuals and those awaiting knee replacement surgery.
By employing sophisticated imaging analysis methods to produce 3D models of numerous kneecap bones, the team utilized shape modeling techniques to illustrate and assess the kneecap surface shapes in three dimensions.
Although they did not discover distinct characteristics in the kneecaps of females as opposed to males, they identified different surface variations in kneecaps that were more prominent in those with osteoarthritis.
“Interestingly, the joint surfaces of the kneecap alter in various ways with the progression of osteoarthritis, particularly as the severity of the disease escalates,” stated Associate Professor Wilson.
The research team is now looking to broaden their investigation.
“We aspire to determine if these shape differences in individuals with osteoarthritis manifest at an early stage,” Associate Professor Wilson explained.
“If so, then kneecap characteristics could be integrated into disease prevention strategies, potentially aiding in identifying individuals more susceptible to knee osteoarthritis who might benefit from timely interventions.”
