Interestingly, the ratio of the contralateral-to-ipsilateral medial compartment knee BMD was directly correlated with contralateral-to-ipsilateral knee PAddM and contralateral-to-ipsilateral knee medial compartment load, the investigators noted.
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 minimize these asymmetries early in the disease course,” the researchers concluded.
The authors and Dr. Lane reported that they have no relevant financial disclosures. The study was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the Schweppe Foundation.