Novel Framework for Measuring Whole Knee Osteoarthritis Progression Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Three out of 13 developed composite scores qualified for testing in the validation cohort (ranked by sensitivity to change): 1) whole-knee cumulative cartilage damage, 2) unweighted total knee score, and 3) BML+effusion-synovitis volume. Change in cumulative cartilage damage associated with radiographic progression (Kellgren-Lawrence: OR=1.84; Joint Space Width Progression: OR=2.11). Changes in the unweighted total knee score (OR=1.97) and BML+effusion-synovitis score (OR=1.92) associated with WOMAC knee pain progression CONCLUSION: Two composite scores emerged, reflecting discrete domains of KOA progression. First, cumulative damage, which is measured by a whole-knee cartilage damage score, reflects the damage accrued over time. Second, dynamic disease activity, which is measured by a BML+effusion-synovitis score, relates with changes in a patient's state of disease and symptoms.