2019 Scott F. Nadler PASSOR Musculoskeletal Research Grant Recipient: The Development of Cartilage Stress Test for Early Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis-2019 Scott F. Nadler PASSOR Musculoskeletal Research Grant Recipient: The Development of Cartilage Stress Test for Early Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

2019 Scott F. Nadler PASSOR Musculoskeletal Research Grant Recipient: The Development of Cartilage Stress Test for Early Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

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Video Summary

Dr. Prakash Jayabalan, director of clinical musculoskeletal research at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, presented his work on the development of a cartilage stress test for early knee osteoarthritis. The goal of his research is to develop a diagnostic and treatment modality for patients with knee osteoarthritis by understanding the biology of the disease. Dr. Jayabalan discussed the complex interplay between abnormal biomechanics and abnormal biological processes in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. He explained that the joint is an organ comprised of cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium, all of which are important for joint health. However, cartilage is avascular, alymphatic, and aneural, which makes it difficult to detect early damage and limits treatment options. To address these challenges, Dr. Jayabalan developed a cartilage stress test, similar to a cardiac stress test, to assess the physiological response of the joint to biomechanical stress. Using a tilted treadmill, he found that individuals with knee osteoarthritis had a higher biomarker response compared to normal controls. He also investigated the use of an anti-gravity treadmill for offloading the joint and found that it reduced pain and cartilage stress biomarkers in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Jayabalan emphasized the importance of individualized treatment based on the biology and health of each patient. He expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for PM&R for their support in funding his research projects.

Keywords

Dr. Prakash Jayabalan

clinical musculoskeletal research

cartilage stress test

early knee osteoarthritis

diagnostic and treatment modality

abnormal biomechanics

abnormal biological processes