Facebook Pixel

Latest Joint Health Research and Developments

0 Comments

3-D Fabric for Joint Cartilage Repair

A team of researchers from Duke University developed a 3-D fabric scaffold that one day can be used to patch damaged joint cartilage, allowing the patient’s own stem cells to move in and repair the damage. The unique weaving machine designed by the researchers uses the same FDA-approved materials used to make absorbable sutures. The machine adds a third set of fibers in addition to the two dimensional cross weave pattern. The 3-D fabric can be made as thick as needed. The fabric can be molded into the shape of the joint and can cover the entire surface of the joint if necessary. Since the scaffold is woven material, the patient’s own cartilage cells can grow in the tiny spaces. The scaffold eventually dissolves, leaving only strong, new cartilage cells and hopefully, eliminating the need for joint replacement. Photo: Getty Images

Correlation Between Meniscal Tears and Knee Pain

The meniscus is a C-shaped rubbery cartilage cushion which acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute the weight bearing load across the surface of the knee joint. A tear is commonly caused by twisting or over-flexing the knee joint. A research team led by Martin Englund, M.D., Ph.D., studied the prevalence of meniscal damage, including meniscal tears, and the association of meniscal damage with knee osteoarthritis and symptoms. Participants in the study included ambulatory men and women who were 50 years old and older. Analysis of the collected data suggests meniscal damage is common among middle-aged and elderly individuals, irrespective of symptoms, and often accompanies knee osteoarthritis. Englund and his colleagues hope their findings influence clinicians when interrupting MRI results of the knee in patients within this age group. Being aware of the prevalence of meniscal tears and the correlation with knee osteoarthritis can effect treatment planning. Photo: Getty Images

Role of Appetite Hormone in Development of Osteoarthritis

Obesity is a well accepted risk factor for osteoarthritis. The assumed connection suggests wear and tear leads to the deterioration of joint cartilage. This explanation held up for weight-bearing joints such as the hip. But what about osteoarthritis in the hand joints? A group of researchers led by Farshid Guilak, Ph.D., of Duke University discovered the link between the appetite hormone, leptin, and the development of osteoarthritis. The scientists studied laboratory mice who were genetically engineered to lack leptin or leptin receptors on the cells. Leptin is an appetite regulating hormone that influences body weight, inflammation, sex hormone levels and bone metabolism. The leptin-deficient mice and the normal, control mice both overate and gained weight. In the final analysis, the knee bones in the leptin-deficient mice changed but did not develop osteoarthritis. The study results suggest that leptin plays a dual role in the development of osteoarthritis by regulating the skeletal and immune systems. The human application of this research is to find the pathway that links a high-fat diet to osteoarthritis. With this knowledge, ". . . we can attempt to identify and block the inflammatory mediators that are linked with the dietary fat,” said Guilak. Photo: Getty Images

Hybrid Joint Replacement

Knee and hip replacement surgery is becoming increasingly common in the United States. A prosthetic joint can be made using plastic, metal and ceramic. It can be cemented in place, which is often done in elderly patients, or not cemented, which is reserved for younger and more active patients. The most common hybrid includes a cobalt metal alloy and specially designed plastic. Research and development in the field of joint replacement focuses on material improvements and ceramics is one material that has gained attention. Ceramic replacement joints were first introduced in the 1970s. Advances in quality and processing techniques make ceramic joints a desirable option, especially for younger, active patients. Ceramic joints have a low wear rate and can last up to 20 years and have less side effects in comparison to metal joints. Photo: Getty Images

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy