Dataset Information

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Residual or Reconverted Red Bone Marrow on Knee MRI.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Residual/reconverted red bone marrow (RBM) in adult knees is occasionally observed on routine knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to identify its prevalence, distribution, and associations with lifestyle factors, knee structural abnormalities, and knee symptoms in young adults.

Methods

Participants (n = 327; aged = 31-41 years) were selected from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) knee study. They underwent T1-weighted and proton-density-weighted fat-suppressed MRI scans of knees. Residual/reconverted RBM in distal femur and proximal tibia were graded semi-quantitatively (grades: 0-3) based on the percentage area occupied. Knee structural abnormalities were graded semi-quantitatively using previously published MRI scoring systems. Knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, and dysfunction) were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale during CDAH knee study (year: 2008-2010) and at 6-9-year follow-up during the CDAH-3 study (year: 2014-2019). Associations between definite RBM (grade ≥ 2) and lifestyle factors, knee symptoms, and structural abnormalities were described using log-binomial regressions.

Results

Definite RBM was seen in females only, in 29 out of 154 cases (18.8%), with femoral involvement preceding tibial involvement. Definite RBM was associated with increased BMI (PR = 1.09/kg/m²; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16), overweight status (PR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.51), and WOMAC knee pain (PR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.74) in cross-section analysis. However, there was no association between RBM and knee-pain after seven years (PR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.66, 2.00). There were no associations between RBM and knee structural abnormalities.

Conclusion

Presence of definite RBM in young adult knees was observed in females only. Definite RBM was associated with overweight measures, and the modest association with knee pain may not be causally related.

SUBMITTER: Vo MT

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8466981 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by pain and functional deficits. Common conservative strategies include medications, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections. Recently, treatment using autologous cell injections has increased.ObjectiveTo characterize the cellular content of bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and to evaluate the effect of intra-articular autologous BMA injections in patients with mild knee OA.DesignProspective pilot observational study.SettingAcademic institution.PatientsEleven patients with unilateral or bilateral mild knee OA (15 knees) were included in the cellular analysis. Ten patients (13 knees) were included in the overall (cellular and clinical) analysis.InterventionsBMA was aspirated from patients' iliac crests and then injected intra-articularly under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance. BMA samples were analyzed using flow cytometry, colony forming unit (CFU) assays, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Questionnaires assessing pain and function were administered preinjection and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postinjection. Side effects and satisfaction were assessed.Main outcome measuresTotal nucleated cell (TNC) concentration, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) concentration, CFU count, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) concentration.ResultsBMA sample analyses revealed wide ranges in TNC concentration (173300-4 491 050 cells/mL), MSC concentration (0-500 cells/mL), CFUs (0-19), and IL-1Ra concentration (2806-29 394 pg/mL). Improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score for Joint Replacement were observed throughout the 12-month follow-up period (F[4,12] = 12.29, P < .001). Additionally, current, usual, best, and worst numerical rating scale pain scores significantly decreased over time (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was high (range: 8.1 ± 2.1-8.8 ± 1.9), and side effects were uncommon.ConclusionsThe cellular content of BMA samples varied widely between patients and was lower than the anticipated yield reported by the device's manufacturer. However, intra-articular BMA injections for knee OA in a small pilot cohort appeared to be safe with potential therapeutic value. Larger, prospective, double-blinded studies are warranted.