Nottingham Osteoarthritis Biomarker Study 2011

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common joint condition and the single largest cause of disability in the older population. The investigators still have a poor understanding of the nature of osteoarthritis and factors that influence its development and progression. Identification of biochemical markers that relate to cartilage loss, bony overgrowth and other features that occur with osteoarthritis will advance our understanding. Over the last 5 years analytical methods have developed to measure a range of different biomarkers. This pilot study will use these analytical methods to measure biomarker levels in joint fluid, urine and blood of 50 participants with Osteoarthritis (OA) and 50 healthy volunteers. This study will provide novel pilot data on the changes in the composition of the synovial fluid, urine and blood in patients with OA. Apart from being a key target site for OA, the knee is a suitable joint for study because of its accessibility to clinical assessment, joint aspiration and imaging.