In addition, the significant asymmetries observed in the proximal tibial BMD of the contralateral vs. ipsilateral knees provide evidence of substantially altered load history in the knees as well.
"The current study demonstrates that loading asymmetries at the knees begin early in the disease course of hip OA to end-stage disease. These results may have implications for interventional strategies targeted in those with unilateral hip OA in order to prevent or minimized these asymmetries early in the disease course," the researchers concluded
The authors and Dr. Lane reported that they have no conflicts of interest. The study was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the Schweppe Foundation.