Osteoarthritis year in review 2020: imaging

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2021 Feb;29(2):170-179. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.12.019. Epub 2021 Jan 5.

Abstract

This narrative "Year in Review" highlights a selection of articles published between January 2019 and April 2020, to be presented at the OARSI World Congress 2020 within the field of osteoarthritis (OA) imaging. Articles were obtained from a PubMed search covering the above period, utilizing a variety of relevant search terms. We then selected original and review studies on OA-related imaging in humans, particularly those with direct clinical relevance, with a focus on the knee. Topics selected encompassed clinically relevant models of early OA, particularly imaging applications on cruciate ligament rupture, as these are of direct clinical interest and provide potential opportunity to evaluate preventive therapy. Further, imaging applications on structural modification of articular tissues in patients with established OA, by non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical interventions are summarized. Finally, novel deep learning approaches to imaging are reviewed, as these facilitate implementation and scaling of quantitative imaging application in clinical trials and clinical practice. Methodological or observational studies outside these key focus areas were not included. Studies focused on biology, biomechanics, biomarkers, genetics and epigenetics, and clinical studies that did not contain an imaging component are covered in other articles within the OARSI "Year in Review" series. In conclusion, exciting progress has been made in clinically validating human models of early OA, and the field of automated articular tissue segmentation. Most importantly though, it has been shown that structure modification of articular cartilage is possible, and future research should focus on the translation of these structural findings to clinical benefit.

Keywords: Imaging; Osteoarthritis; Review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Osteoarthritis / therapy
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / diagnostic imaging
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / injuries
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Meniscus Injuries / surgery