Aimwas to identify features of subchondral bone remodeling and synovitis severity in patients with early knee osteoarthritis using laboratory and instrumental methods.
Materials and methods.The study covered 60 patients with I-II radiological stages (by J. Kellgren and J. Lawrence, 1952) of gonarthrosis (according to R.D. Altman, 1991). Complex of clinical (history, complaints, palpation of joints, pain assessment by Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), laboratory (interleukin-6, osteocalcin, Beta-Cross Laps, C-reactive protein [CRP] and others) and instrumental (X-ray, ultrasonography of knee joints) examinations of patients was carried out with subsequent statistical data processing.
Results.In patients with stage II gonarthrosis, Beta-Cross Laps, CRP levels, osteophyte size were significantly higher, and articular cartilage thickness was lower in comparison with stage I group. Correlations were found between: pain intensity according to VAS and volume of upper torsion of knee joint; interleukin-6 and osteophyte size, volume of upper torsion, Beta-Cross Laps; level of Beta-Cross Laps and osteocalcin, osteophyte size; and some other relationships.
Conclusion. In patients with I-II radiological stages of gonarthrosis, remodeling of subchondral bone is observed and accompanied by tissue turnover changes that it is could be used in targeted therapy. Serum Beta-Cross Laps is important marker for early progression of gonarthrosis.