The importance of synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis: current evidence from imaging assessments and clinical trials

X Wang; D J Hunter; X Jin; C Ding

doi:10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.015

The importance of synovial inflammation in osteoarthritis: current evidence from imaging assessments and clinical trials

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018 Feb;26(2):165-174. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.015. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

Authors

X Wang¹, D J Hunter¹, X Jin², C Ding³

Affiliations

¹ Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital and Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
² National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
³ Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Translational Research Centre, Academy of Orthopedics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Electronic address: Changhai.Ding@utas.edu.au.

PMID: 29224742
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.11.015

Abstract

Synovial abnormalities have been observed at multiple stages of osteoarthritis (OA). Increasing evidence suggests that it may play an important role in the OA pathological process. Many assessment systems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound have been established to detect synovial inflammation in OA. These have been used to inform the current investigation of OA disease phenotypes and progression and can be utilised in the future for clinical trials developing potential treatments. This narrative review aims to illustrate the importance of synovial tissue in OA and provide an overview of imaging assessments and possible therapies targeting synovial abnormalities.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Osteoarthritis; Synovial inflammation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
Disease Progression
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
Osteoarthritis / diagnostic imaging
Osteoarthritis / drug therapy
Osteoarthritis / etiology*
Synovial Membrane / diagnostic imaging
Synovitis / complications*
Synovitis / diagnostic imaging
Synovitis / drug therapy
Treatment Outcome
Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

Antirheumatic Agents