Pathologic and Pathogenic Processes in Osteoarthritis: The Effects of Synovitis

Our current understanding of the role of synovitis in osteoarthritis has evolved substantially over the past decade. We understand that inflammation is present even early in the course of the disease and is associated with symptoms, function, and progression of cartilage damage (Fig. 1). Whether synovitis is a predictive marker in posttraumatic osteoarthritis remains to be established. Data from a recently published rodent model suggested that synovitis may be a good therapeutic target in posttraumatic osteoarthritis [1]. Elucidating how synovial inflammation is triggered and sustained in the joint is likely to guide the design of future treatment regimens targeting synovitis in osteoarthritis. Fig. 1 Relationship between synovitis and outcomes in osteoarthritis and important remaining questions. Synovitis has been associated with pain, joint dysfunction, and rate of structural progression in osteoarthritis. Important questions remaining are how variable ... Acknowledgement Carla R. Scanzello is supported by 1K08AR057859 award from the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Rush University Medical Center and the Hospital for Special Surgery have filed a patent application on behalf of the author on inflammatory biomarkers in osteoarthritis.