Information for Medical Professionals
Type IX collagen linked to knee osteoarthritis, study shows
Osteoarthritis could be caused by a deficiency of a certain type of collagen, according to new research, which could show potential need for joint replacement surgery.
A study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism claimed that investigations using mice found that those with their Type IX collagen gene deactivated experienced premature osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, reports UPI.com.
It was found that these mice experienced joint pain and loss of function which severely hampered their range of motion.
According to the researchers, the study could be used in the future to "track signs and symptoms as degeneration progresses".
They wrote that the collagen-deficient mice also had "elevated levels of knee and intervertebral disc structural changes".
Recent research published in the Journal of Knee Surgery claimed that a better method of measuring the outcomes of knee replacement surgery was needed.
It claimed the variety of scoring methods across the globe means there is difficulty in comparing outcomes.
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