Association of synovitis versus cartilage loss with pain severity and functional limitations in primary knee osteoarthritis: clinical and MRI study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at examining the association of MRI detected synovitis versus cartilage defects with knee pain severity and functional limitations in patients with primary knee OA. Twenty with symptomatic primary knee OA [aged 32 to 56 years] fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria of idiopathic OA of the knee. The severity of knee pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale [VAS]. Also pain severity impact on patient's global activity of daily living was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] fur pain scale. Scoring of OA impact on Patient's functional status was determined by Lequesne's functional index. Knee MRI was acquired to identify synoviaI changes and cartilage defects. Correlations between knee pain and functional measures with synovial and cartilage abnormalities scores were carried out. Twenty seven knees had evidence of synovitis in the scored sites. Synovitis correlated significantly with pain severity and limitations in functional activities. Total cartilage loss correlated with higher pain scores and higher Lequesne's index. Total and regional synovitis scores correlated significantly with total and compartmental cartilage scores. Osteoarthritic synovitis correlates with knee pain severity and functional limitations. Also, the degree of synovitis is associated with cartilage loss. Magnetic resonance imaging is beneficial in scoring synovitis and cartilage loss of OA