New Blood Test Identifies Knee Osteoarthritis Years Before It Shows Up on X-Ray

A new blood test may help doctors predict knee osteoarthritis at least 8 years before it shows up on an X-ray.

The blood test identifies key biomarkers of the disease and in a new study of 200 women

it successfully distinguished participants with knee osteoarthritis from those without it… before diagnostic scans.

The lead author says these findings provide evidence that joint abnormalities can be detected well before they appear on X-ray.

She says, “Early-stage osteoarthritis could provide a ‘window of opportunity’ in which to arrest the disease process and restore joint health.”

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 35 million adults in the U.S.

There are currently no cures, but the researchers believe early identification will aid in the development of new and effective drugs.

Source:

Science Advances

Author Affiliations:

Duke University School of Medicine