Risk stratification for knee osteoarthritis progression: a narrative review

SummaryObjectiveA narrative review describing the assessment of osteoarthritis (OA) progression, and more specifically the risk factors which assist in delineating strata of individuals at greatest risk for more rapid progression.DesignA narrative review based on selected recent medical literature.ResultsWith little currently available in the treatment of this disease, better understanding of responsive and valid endpoints is essential to identifying potential new interventions for treatment of OA. Efforts to stratify those at greatest risk for progression can use a number of systemic or local risk factors that may assist in delineating populations at greater risk for progression.ConclusionsCurrent data suggests that stratification of risk is feasible to ascertain those at risk for rapid progression using a number of different metrics including knee alignment, meniscal damage, bone marrow lesions and late stage disease. Identifying persons at greatest risk for progression has important implications for clinical trial planning and can enhance study efficiency.