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IntroductionAlthough various techniques can be used to repair gluteal tendon tears, the long-term outcome is unclear and published studies typically involve only a small number of patients. The goals of this study were to determine (1) if functional improvement can be obtained, (2) if the repairs are continuous based on MRI, and (3) which factors determine success.HypothesisGluteus medius and minimus tears can be repaired effectively with an open double-row technique.Material and methodsSeventy-three patients were operated on between 2003 and 2010. Of these patients, 67 (62 women, 5 men) were available for review consisting of functional clinical tests and MRI of the hip and pelvis. A double-row repair was performed on all tendon tears, no matter the type of injury. Age, body mass index (BMI), fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy were also evaluated to determine if these variables affected the outcome.ResultsThe average follow-up was 4.6 years (range 1–8). The pre-operative scores had improved at the last follow-up: (1) pain (VAS): 8.7±1.1 versus 1.7±2.7 at the follow-up, (P

Objective To assess the ability of avocado–soybean unsaponifiable—Expanscience (ASU-E) to slow radiographic progression in symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Prospective, randomised, double blind, parallel group, placebo controlled 3 year trial. Patients with symptomatic (painful ≥1 year, Lequesne Index between 3 and 10) hip OA (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and a minimum joint space width (JSW) of the target hip between 1 and 4 mm on a pelvic radiograph were randomly assigned to 300 mg/day ASU-E or placebo. Standing pelvis, target hip anteroposterior (AP) and oblique views were taken annually. The primary outcome was JSW change at year 3, measured at the narrowest point on pelvic or target hip AP view (manual measure using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass). The full analysis dataset (FAS) included all patients having at least two successive radiographs. An analysis of covariance Mixed Model for Repeated Measurements with Missing at Random (for missing data) was performed to compare adjusted 3 year JSW changes (primary outcome) and the percentages of ‘progressors’ (JSW loss≥0.5 mm) between groups. Results 399 patients were randomised (345 kept in the FAS), aged 62 (35–84) years, 54% women, mean body mass index 27 (SD 4) kg/m 2 , mean symptom duration 4 (SD 5) years, 0–100 normalised Lequesne Index 30 (SD 9) and global pain visual analogue scale 37 (SD 23) mm. Mean baseline JSW was 2.8 (0.9) mm. There was no significant difference on mean JSW loss (−0.638 mm vs −0.672 mm, p=0.72, in the ASU-E and placebo groups, respectively) but there were 20% less progressors in the ASU-E than in the placebo group (40% vs 50%, respectively, p=0.040). No difference was observed on clinical outcomes. Safety was excellent. Conclusions 3 year treatment with ASU-E reduces the percentage of JSW progressors, indicating a potential structure modifying effect in hip OA to be confirmed, and the clinical relevance requires further assessment. Trial registration number on ClinicalTrial.gov NCT01062737

Objectives: To update the EULAR recommendations for management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by an evidence based medicine and expert opinion approach. Methods: The literature search and guidelines were restricted to treatments for knee OA pertaining to clinical and/or radiological OA of any compartment of the knee. Papers for combined treatment of knee and other types of OA were excluded. Medline and Embase were searched using a combination of subject headings and key words. Searches for those treatments previously investigated were conducted for January 1999 to February 2002 and for those treatments not previously investigated for 1966 to February 2002. The level of evidence found for each treatment was documented. Quality scores were determined for each paper, an effect size comparing the treatment with placebo was calculated, where possible, and a toxicity profile was determined for each treatment modality. Results: 497 new publications were identified by the search. Of these, 103 were intervention trials and included in the overall analysis, and 33 treatment modalities were identified. Previously identified publications which were not exclusively knee OA in the initial analysis were rejected. In total, 545 publications were included. Based on the results of the literature search and expert opinion, 10 recommendations for the treatment of knee OA were devised using a five stage Delphi technique. Based on expert opinion, a further set of 10 items was identified by a five stage Delphi technique as important for future research. Conclusion: The updated recommendations support some of the previous propositions published in 2000 but also include modified statements and new propositions. Although a large number of treatment options for knee OA exist, the evidence based format of the EULAR Recommendations continues to identify key clinical questions that currently are unanswered.

Two hundred and ninety-two patients, aged between 16 and 50years and presenting with mechanical hip pathology, were included in a prospective multicenter study. The descriptive study concerned the clinical examination and analysis of three X-ray views (AP pelvic, Lequesne false profile and lateral axial view). The series comprised 62% males, mean age 35years, with 53% right side and 22% bilateral involvement. Initial trauma was reported in 19% of cases, and direct familial history of hip pathology in 20%. Seventy percent of the patients played sports, 30% were high-level athletes, and 17% played combat sports. The physical impingement sign was present in 18% to 65% of cases depending on the variant studied. On imaging (n=241), 62% of hips showed osteoarthritis, with 25% at the evolved stage. In the series, as a whole, there was a 35% rate of dysplasia, 63% of impingement and 5% of normal X-ray results. The radiologic impingement aspects were 58% cam-type, 19% pincer-type and 23% mixed. Twenty-two percent of dysplasia cases showed signs of associated impingement. Pain experienced exclusively in flexion/internal rotation/adduction on examination showed little sensitivity (20%) but considerable specificity (86%) for the main diagnosis of impingement. The links between impingement and dysplasia are discussed, and an integrative schema of all risk factors is put forward. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, descriptive epidemiological study. Language: en

Objective Computerized measurement of changes in joint space width (JSW) on serial radiographs of the knee in the semiflexed, anteroposterior (SF-AP) view has been used recently as a primary outcome measure in clinical trials of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). In the use of fluoroscopy to achieve reproducible alignment of the medial tibial plateau and x-ray beam, the SF-AP radiographic protocol affords greater sensitivity in the detection of joint space narrowing (JSN) than that achieved by conventional radiographic positioning techniques. However, the utility of the SF-AP view is compromised by the variation in x-ray penetration in each examination, which may confound the correction of the automated measurement of JSW for the radiographic magnification inherent in an AP view of the knee. A recent DMOAD trial using the SF-AP protocol showed an improbable increase in JSW of ≥0.50 mm (i.e., greater than the measurement error). The present report provides an analysis of this problem, and the study aim was to demonstrate that substitution of the automated estimates of JSW with precise manual measurements can markedly reduce the problem attributable to radiographic magnification. Methods SF-AP radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 16 months and 30 months thereafter from subjects enrolled in a 6-center DMOAD trial. For each examination, a 6.35-mm steel ball was affixed to the skin over the head of the fibula to permit estimation of the percentage of radiographic magnification (%Mag) and correction of JSW measurements. Measurements of the minimum interbone distance (IBD) in the medial tibiofemoral compartment and the %Mag were obtained by an automated method (edge detection) and manually. Combinations of automated and manual measurements of the IBD and %Mag in estimates of magnification-corrected JSW were compared with respect to their reproducibility, agreement, and sensitivity to JSN. Results With fully automated measurements, variations in x-ray penetration in analog radiographs and edge enhancement in digital radiographs resulted in the computer “seeing” a metal ball whose diameter was artifactually reduced, resulting in an inflated measurement of JSW. Use of manual measurement of the IBD and %Mag largely eliminated these problems and reduced, from 16% to 2%, the frequency of knees exhibiting an increase in JSW ≥0.50 mm. In 14 of the 15 knees in which a significant increase in JSW was noted with the manual method, this increase in JSW could be explained by the development of significant lateral compartment narrowing during the study or poor alignment of the medial plateau. Conclusion Although automated and manual methods of JSW measurement of the knee in the SF-AP view possess comparable intrareader reproducibility, the manual method is less susceptible to technical factors that affect the correction of raw JSW estimates for radiographic magnification. Until we can identify practical, effective solutions to these technical problems, use of any radiographic protocol involving AP imaging of the knee in a DMOAD trial must be viewed with caution.

Evaluation of hip, knee and hand osteoarthritis (OA) involves clinical and radiological outcome measures. Clinical, mainly visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, algofunctional or Lequesne's indices for hip and knee OA, Western Ontario and Mac Master Universities OA Index (WOMAC) for hip and knee OA, Dreiser's functional index for hand OA and some quality-of-life (QoL) indices are presented and discussed. Their utility is considered according to various uses: assessment of OA severity and course in therapeutic trials, in daily practice, as a help for surgical decision, and with regard to QoL as instruments for establishing the place of OA among differing chronic rheumatic conditions. Radiological assessment methods, especially for potential structure-modifying drug trials, mainly involve either manual measurement of joint space narrowing on radiographs over a period of several years, or measurement on X-ray digitized images. Last but not least, to conclude this review, we propose a selection of the most rapid and practical instruments allowing OA assessment in daily practice, with appropriate comments.

To evaluate the structural effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in the treatment of patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip.Patients with regular painful primary OA of the hip (European League Against Rheumatism 1980 criteria) and a joint space stillor = 1 mm (Kellgren grade 1 to 3, assessed by an independent observer prior to inclusion) entered a prospective, multicenter, randomized, parallel group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 2 years duration. Patients had at least a 6-month history of regular pain and an algofunctional index (AFI)or = 4. The primary assessment criterion was a decrease of the joint space width (JSW) on plain anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis performed in standing position, measured at the narrowest points by 2 independent readers, previously tested and selected and blinded to both the treatment and the time sequence. Secondary criteria were standard clinical outcome measurements (AFI, pain on a visual analog scale, consumption of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and patient's and investigator's global assessments).One hundred sixty-three patients were included: 102 men and 61 women (mean age 63.2 +/- 8.7 years). A total of 108 patients (72 men and 36 women; mean age 64 +/- 7.9 years) were radiologically evaluable at 23.7 +/- 2.6 months (ASU group; n = 55) and 23.7 +/- 3.2 months (placebo group; n = 53). Overall comparison of the evolution of JSW showed no difference between the ASU and placebo groups, from 2.35 +/- 0.93 to 1.87 +/- 1.10 mm and from 2.5 +/- 0.94 to 1.9 +/- 1.33 mm, respectively (intergroup P value at end point = 0.9). When patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the median value of the baseline JSW (2.45 mm), the joint space loss in the most severely affected subgroup of patients (baseline JSWor = median) was significantly greater in the placebo group than in the ASU group: from 1.69 +/- 0.58 to 0.84 +/- 0.77 mm (-0.86 +/- 0.62 mm) and from 1.66 +/- 0.42 to 1.22 +/- 0.7 mm (-0.43 +/- 0.51 mm), respectively (P0.01). The JSW decrease was identical, with no difference in ASU and placebo groups, in the less severely affected subgroup of patients (baseline JSWmedian). Clinical parameters in the 2 groups did not differ significantly throughout the study.This pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial failed to demonstrate a structural effect of ASU in hip OA. However, in a post-hoc analysis, ASU significantly reduced the progression of joint space loss as compared with placebo in the subgroup of patients with advanced joint space narrowing. These results suggest that ASU could have a structural effect but require confirmation in a larger placebo-controlled study in hip OA.

Objective To determine the most relevant method of measurement of the radiographic hip joint space width (JSW). Design Seventy hips were examined from 36 patients of the ECHODIAH study having had one to four X-rays of the pelvis during the 3-year course of the study. Minimum interbone distance (MIDc), mean width of both the whole joint space (MJSWL) and a region of interest of the joint space (MJSWroi) were measured using computerized analysis of digitized radiographs. MID was also measured using a graduated eyepiece (MIDge). Reproducibility of the measurement was assessed by the intraclass coefficient of correlation. Sensitivity to change was evaluated by the standardized response mean. Results The intraobserver intraclass coefficient of correlation of MIDc and MJSWroi was 0.98 and 0.94, respectively. The mean value°S.D. of MJSWL, MJSWroi, MIDc and MIDge was 3.3°0.9, 2.6°0.9, 2.4°0.9 and 2.6°1.2mm, respectively. MIDge was significantly larger than MIDc (mean difference: 0.21°0.62mm, P 0.001), in both normal and osteoarthritic hips. However, the difference between MIDge and MIDc varied largely when considering topography of femoral head migration. Whatever the method was, a significant ( P 0.001) mean decrease of nearly 0.5mm was found in osteoarthritic hips over the 3 year follow-up. The standardized response mean for MJSWL, MJSWroi, MIDge and MIDc was 0.73, 0.75, 0.79 and 0.85, respectively. Superiority of MIDc, in term of sensitivity to change, was mainly seen in osteoarthritic hips showing a superomedial or a concentric migration of the femoral head. Conclusion Minimum interbone distance measured with a computer assisted method is suggested as the most suitable method for the evaluation of hip osteoarthritis (OA) progression.

Objective To evaluate the ability of diacerein, an interleukin-1β inhibitor, to slow the progressive decrease in joint space width observed in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-year study, 507 patients with primary OA of the hip (by the American College of Rheumatology criteria) received diacerein (50 mg twice a day) or placebo. The minimal hip joint space width was measured by a central reader on yearly pelvic radiographs, using a 0.1-mm–graduated magnifying glass. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable in the 2 treatment groups (255 patients receiving diacerein, 252 receiving placebo); 238 patients (47%) discontinued the study, mainly because of adverse events in the diacerein group (25% versus 12% with placebo) and because of inefficacy in the placebo group (14% versus 7% with diacerein). The percentage of patients with radiographic progression, defined by a joint space loss of at least 0.5 mm, was significantly lower in patients receiving diacerein than in patients receiving placebo, both in the intent-to-treat analysis and in the completer analysis (50.7% versus 60.4% [P = 0.036] and 47.3% versus 62.3% [P = 0.007], respectively). In those patients who completed 3 years of treatment, the rate of joint space narrowing was significantly lower with diacerein (mean ± SD 0.18 ± 0.25 mm/year versus 0.23 ± 0.23 mm/year with placebo; P = 0.042). Diacerein had no evident effect on the symptoms of OA in this study. However, a post hoc covariate analysis that took into account the use of analgesics and antiinflammatory drugs showed an effect of diacerein on the Lequesne functional index. Diacerein was well tolerated during the 3-year study. The most frequent adverse events were transient changes in bowel habits. Conclusion This study confirms previous clinical findings indicating that the demonstration of a structure-modifying effect in hip OA is feasible, and shows, for the first time, that treatment with diacerein for 3 years has a significant structure-modifying effect as compared with placebo, coupled with a good safety profile. The clinical relevance of these findings requires further investigation.

H. Summary H.1. symptom modifying drugs The primary outcome variable is a specific aspect of joint pain, although a ‘signal' symptom or some measure of function may also be studied. Trials of drugs with a rapid onset of effect can be as short as 1–4 weeks but may be as long as 12 weeks. Longer trials (up to 2 years) may be needed to evaluate longer-term toxicity, determine optimal long-term dosing regimens, or establish long-term benefit. Supplemental escape analgesia should be minimized, monitored and discontinued prior to evaluation of efficacy. Some agents that provide symptom relief may not provide benefit until weeks after initiation of therapy. Under these circumstances, trials will vary from 3–12 months in length. If the agent is administered in courses, episodic readministration of the drug may be needed in long-term trials. Longer trials (up to 2 years) may be required to exclude toxicity or establish long-term benefit. H.2. structure modifying drugs These drugs are intended to prevent, retard, stabilize or reverse development of the morphologic changes of OA. Although this has been called ‘chondroprotection', the term is misleading and should be avoided, because all structures of the joint are involved in OA, not articular cartilage alone. The benefits of disease modifying therapy may not be apparent until years after the onset of treatment. The selection of high-risk groups may shorten the time of investigation. Improvement in symptoms (i.e., joint pain) is not a requisite for the efficacy of a drug in this category. In these studies, it may be necessary to permit concomitant use of drugs for relief of symptoms (NSAIDs, analgesics). The confounding effects of glucocorticoids and NSAIDs in these trials is not yet understood and very restricted use of IA depocorticosteroids is recommended. Demonstration of structure modification will require the use of direct measures of joint anatomy, such as radiography, particularly measurement of the radiographic joint space. As stated above, the plain radiograph is presently the most reproducible and readily available method for assessment of disease modification. Studies are needed to validate surrogate markers of disease activity, since they may help shorten Phase 2 structure modifying drug trials. As an alternative to radiography, some trials may utilize arthroscopy. As we approach the beginning of the twenty-first century, concepts of clinical trials of OA drugs are changing. Methodology and techniques for the evaluation of new agents for OA have been refined dramatically over the last decade. We look forward to the future with excitement as we anticipate the development of new agents that may alter the symptoms and course of OA. The above recommendations are intended to help us ascertain which of these new agents are effective.

Objective To evaluate the value (sensitivity and specificity) of 2 modified physical tests for the diagnosis of gluteal tendinopathy in patients with refractory greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS). Methods The 2 tests were prospectively evaluated by a single physician in all consecutive patients with persistent (≥4 months) GTPS and no hip joint arthropathy seen on radiography between 2002 and 2006. The 2 tests evaluated the occurrence of pain similar to spontaneous pain during a single-leg stance held for 30 seconds and resisted external derotation in a supine position (hip flexed 90°) then prone position (hip extended). A matched control population without hip pain was examined similarly. Tendinitis, tendon tear, and associated bursitis in the target group were documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes, with MRI serving as the gold standard. Results Seventeen patients completed the study (mean ± SD age 68.1 ± 10.8 years, mean duration of symptoms 13 months). MRI revealed tendinopathy and/or bursitis of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendons in all patients, with evidence of tearing in 15. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 97.3%, respectively, for the single-leg stance test and 88% and 97.3%, respectively, for the resisted external derotation test in the supine position. Conclusion The 30-second single-leg stance and resisted external derotation tests had very good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of tendinous lesion and bursitis in patients with MRI-documented refractory GTPS.

To determine whether systemic markers of bone, cartilage, and synovium can predict structural progression of osteoarthritis (OA).Patients with painful hip OA were treated with diacerein or placebo in a multicentre, prospective, double blind, 3 year follow up trial. The following information was collected at entry: demographics, characteristics of hip OA, and 10 markers: N-propeptides of collagen types I and III, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, YKL-40, hyaluronan (sHA), matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3, C reactive protein, C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of collagen types I and II (uCTX-II). Radiographs were obtained at entry and every year. Structural progression was defined as a joint space decreaseor =0.5 mm or requirement for total hip replacement. Grouped survival analysis was performed with time to structural progression as dependent variable, and clinical data, radiographic findings, treatment groups (diacerein versus placebo), and markers as explanatory measures.In the 333 patients in whom all markers were measured, high functional impairment, a joint space width2 mm, and lateral migration of the femoral head at baseline increased the risk of progression, but diacerein had a protective effect (relative risk = 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.96). In addition, patients in whom uCTX-II and sHA were in the upper tertile had a relative risk of progression of 3.73 (95% CI 2.48 to 5.61) compared with patients with markers in the two lower tertiles.In this large cohort, combined measurements of uCTX-II and sHA were a new predictor of the structural progression of hip OA.

Objective: To evaluate sex differences in the clinical and structural presentation, and natural history of hip OA. Methods: A multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, five year follow up study of 508 patients (302 women, 206 men, mean age 63 (7) years) with painful hip OA. Data collected were baseline demographics, symptomatic, therapeutic, and structural variables; symptomatic variables and changes in joint space width (JSW) during the first year's follow up; requirement for total hip arthroplasty (THA) between the end of the first and fifth years. Statistical analysis: evaluation of sex differences (a) at baseline, in the main characteristics of hip OA using multivariate logistic regression; (b) during the first year of follow up, in the radiological progression of the disease; (c) during the five years of follow up, in the requirement for THA using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log rank test, and of the parameters related to THA, using a multivariate Cox analysis. Results: At entry, women presented more frequently than men with polyarticular OA (mean (SD) articular score 306 (162) v 235 (127)), and superomedial migration of the femoral head (40% v 19%), and had more severe symptomatic disease (patient's overall assessment 46 (23) v 40 (26)). The change in JSW did not differ between women and men after one year, but a greater proportion of women had rapid structural progression (OR=2.34, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.2). THA was performed more often in women. Multivariate analysis suggested that the decision to perform surgery was related more closely to the symptomatic and structural severity of the disease than to the sex of the patient. Conclusion: Hip OA in women is more frequently part of a polyarticular OA, and displays greater symptomatic and structural severity.

Objective. To determine a cut-off point above which a change in joint space width (JSW) could be considered as relevant in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the basis of predicted need for subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. A multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, 5-yr follow-up study was performed. A pelvic radiograph was obtained at entry and after 1 and 2 yr. For each film, the narrowest JSW was measured using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass. The absolute and relative differences between baseline and 1 and 2 yr of follow-up were calculated. We determined the cut-off points above which an absolute or relative decrease in JSW between baseline and 1 and 2 yr of follow-up could be considered relevant on the basis of the predicted need for THA during the remaining years of the study. The need for THA was categorized as ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Thereafter, for each observed change in JSW (0.1 per 0.1 mm or 1% per 1%), the sensitivity and specificity for subsequent THA were calculated. The choice of cut-off was based on maximal sensitivity and specificity, using the graphic representation of correct classification probabilities. In this way it was possible to obtain the best measured JSW threshold with maximal true positive and minimal false positive results. Results. A total of 423 and 385 patients met the criteria for analysis using the decrease in JSW between baseline and 1 and 2 yr respectively. The best cut-off points were absolute decreases in JSW of 0.2 and 0.4 mm and relative decreases in JSW of 15 and 20% after 1 and 2 yr respectively, with corresponding ranges of sensitivity and specificity of 68‐75 and 67‐78%. Conclusion. This work determined the cut-off above which a change in JSW could be considered clinically relevant in patients with hip OA, on the basis of predicted subsequent need for THA. For validation, similar studies should be conducted in other countries with different health-care systems.

Aim. To determine the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in joint space width (JSW) progression in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA), based upon evaluation by a panel of clinical experts as a gold standard. Methods. A sample of 298 patients with hip OA was selected from a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, 3-yr follow-up study. A pelvic radiograph was obtained at entry and after 3 yr. For each film, the narrowest JSW was measured using a 0.1-mm graduated magnifying glass. The difference between baseline and 3-yr follow-up JSW was calculated. Two senior rheumatologists, who were experts in osteoarthritis, evaluated each pair of films and noted whether a clinically relevant deterioration in osteoarthritis stage occurred at 3 yr compared with baseline. Interobserver reliabilities were evaluated using the k coefficient and proportions of agreements. Then, for each measured difference in JSW (0.1 mm per 0.1 mm), the sensitivity and specificity for MCID, defined as the assessment of expert 1, expert 2 or a combination of both, were calculated. This allowed us to obtain, from graphic representations of the correct classification probabilities, the best measured JSW threshold, with the maximal true positive and the minimal false positive results. Results. The mean measured change in JSW was 2 0.63" 0.74 mm. Experts 1 and 2 considered the decrease in JSW to be clinically relevant in 122 (40.9%) and 100 pairs (33.6%) respectively. The proportion of agreements between the experts was 79.9%, with a k coefficient of 0.572. The best measured JSW threshold was 2 0.4 mm for expert 1, expert 2 and the combination of both; sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 and 0.8, 0.71 and 0.72, and 0.75 and 0.7 respectively. Conclusion. This study suggests that a change of at least 0.4 mm in the radiological JSW could be considered clinically relevant. Other studies using other sets of patients and other methods are needed for validation.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease encountered throughout Europe. A task force for the EULAR standing committee for clinical trials met in 1998 to determine the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence-based guidelines for treatment of knee OA. The guidelines were restricted to cover all currently available therapies for knee OA diagnosed either clinically and/or radiographically affecting any compartment of the knee. Methods The first stage was the selection of treatment modalities to be considered. The second stage comprised a search of the electronic databases Medline and Embase using a combination of subject headings and key words. All European language publications in the form of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized-controlled trials, controlled trials and observational studies were included. During stage three all of the relevant studies were quality scored. The summary statistics for validated outcome measures, when available, were recorded and where practical the numbers needed to treat (NNT) and the effect size (ES) for each therapy was calculated. The fourth stage involved determination of key clinical propositions by expert consensus employing a Delphi approach. The final stage involved ranking of these propositions according to the available evidence. A second set of propositions relating to a future research agenda was determined by expert consensus using a Delphi approach. Results Over 2400 English language publications and 400 non-English language publications were identified. Seven hundred and forty four studies presented outcome data of the effects of specific treatments on knee OA. Quantitative analysis of treatment effect was possible in only 61 studies. Recommendations for the management of knee OA based on currently available data and expert opinion are presented. Proposals for a future research agenda are highlighted. Conclusions These are the first clinical guidelines on knee OA to combine an evidence-based approach and a consensus approach across a wide range of treatment modalities. It is apparent that only certain clinical propositions are supported by substantial research-based evidence, while others are not. There is thus an urgent need for future well designed trials to address key clinical questions

OBJECTIVE—The technique and results of a special oblique radiograph of the hip called the "faux profil" (FP) of the hip are described. The FP was evaluated for the detection of joint space narrowing in incipient osteoarthritis of the hip (OAH) as compared with the anteroposterior (AP) radiograph. METHODS—58 hips with incipient osteoarthritis (joint space narrowing, 0-25% on the AP view) in 48 patients were identified among 200 consecutive patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology criteria for OAH. Joint space narrowing was measured on the AP and FP radiographs of these 58 hips. RESULTS—The FP view provides a true lateral projection of the femoral head and neck, and an oblique view of the acetabulum tangential to its superoanteromedial edge. On this view, the width of the anterosuperior and posteroinferior parts of the joint space can be measured and compared. Among the 58 hips with incipient OAH, 36 (62%) showed joint space narrowing on the AP view and 51 (91%) on the FP view. Among the 22 hips without joint space narrowing on the AP radiograph, 16 (72.7%) showed joint space narrowing on the FP view, involving the anterosuperior part of the joint in 11 cases and the posteroinferior part in five cases. CONCLUSION—The FP view in the standing position should be used in incipient OAH as a complement to the AP view in patients with suspected OAH but no joint space narrowing on the AP radiograph. In this situation, nearly three quarters of hips in the study had joint space narrowing on the FP view, usually in the anterosuperior part and less often in the posteroinferior part of the joint. Keywords: hip; radiographs; osteoarthritis

SummaryThe aim of the study was to assess whether radiographic hip joint space thickness was changed by weight-bearing (WB) compared with non weight-bearing (NWB) position, and to evaluate whether radiographs centered on the hip were more sensitive than pelvic X-rays to detect such a change. Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were made in 30 patients with hip osteoarthritis OA (46 OA and 11 normal hips). Osteoarthritic, as well as contralateral normal hips, were analyzed. Radiographs centered on OA hip were performed in 28 other patients. X-rays were made in WB and NWB positions using a standardized radiological procedure. Measurements of mean joint space width (MeanJSW), maximum joint space narrowing (MaxJSN) and joint space surface area (JSA), were made using a computerized image analysis system.The joint space width was unaffected by WB in normal joints but decreased with WB in OA joints. The decrease was significant only when considering MaxJSN in patients with a joint space thickness smaller than 2.5mm. The difference between WB and NWB was larger in radiographs centered on the hip than on pelvic X-rays. MeanJSW and JSA were found to be less sensitive than MaxJSN. The decrease of joint space width was inversely correlated with joint space size in WB. These results suggest that WB radiographs of the hip should be used in preference to NWB in studies of hip OA.

OBJECTIVES: To determine a cut off value for changes in radiological joint space width that allowed definition of radiological progression of hip osteoarthritis not related to measurement method errors and, thereafter, to determine factors predictive of radiological progression of hip osteoarthritis and to evaluate the correlations between clinical and radiological parameters. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal (one year duration), multicentre study was made of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (American College of Rheumatology criteria). Data on clinical activity (pain, functional impairment), demographic data (age, gender, body mass index), and femoral head migration (superolateral, superomedial, concentric) were collected when the patient entered the study; radiological grade (joint space width in millimetres at the narrowest point using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass, evaluated by a single observer unaware of the chronology of the films) was recorded at the patient's entry to the study and after one year. RESULTS: Analysis of the means of the differences between two analyses performed by a single observer of 30 pairs of radiographs (one performed after an interval of one year) (0.06 (SD 0.23)) suggested that a change of more than 0.56 mm (2 SD) after a one year follow up could define progression of osteoarthritis of the hip. Of the 508 patients recruited, 461 (91%) completed the one year follow up and radiological progression was observed in 102 (22%). The factors predictive of radiological progression that were identified in the multivariate analysis were: radiological joint space width at entry < or = 2 mm, superolateral migration of the femoral head, female gender, Lequesne's functional index > 10, age at entry > 65 years (odds ratios 2.11, 4.25, 2.51, 2.66, 1.90, respectively). The level of clinical parameters (pain, functional impairment) and the amount of symptomatic treatment required (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesic intake) accounted for 20% (p < 0.0001) of the variability of the changes in radiological joint space width over the one year study period. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that radiological progression of hip osteoarthritis could be defined by a change in joint space width of at least 0.6 mm after a one year follow up period, is correlated with the changes in clinical status of the patients, and is related not only to demographic data (age, gender), but also to some specific characteristics of osteoarthritis (localisation, radiological severity, clinical activity).

Joint space width (JSW) and narrowing (JSN) measurements on radiographs are currently the best way to assess disease severity or progression in hip osteoarthritis, yet we lack data regarding the most accurate and sensitive measurement technique. This study was conducted to determine the optimal radiograph and number of readers for measuring JSW and JSN. Fifty pairs of radiographs taken three years apart were obtained from patients included in a structure modification trial in hip osteoarthritis. Three radiographs were taken with the patient standing: pelvis, target hip anteroposterior (AP) and oblique views. Two trained readers, blinded to each other's findings, time sequence and treatment, each read the six radiographs gathered for each patient twice (time interval ≥15 days), using a 0.1 mm graduated magnifying glass. Radiographs were randomly coded for each reading. The interobserver and intraobserver cross-sectional (M0 and M36) and longitudinal (M0–M36) reproducibilities were assessed using the intraclass coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman method for readers 1 and 2 and their mean. Sensitivity to change was estimated using the standardized response mean (SRM = change/standard deviation of change) for M0–M36 changes. For interobserver reliability on M0–M36 changes, the ICCs (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 0.79 (0.65–0.88) for pelvic view, 0.87 (0.78–0.93) for hip AP view and 0.86 (0.76–0.92) for oblique view. Intraobserver reliability ICCs were 0.81 (0.69–0.89) for observer 1 and 0.97 (0.95–0.98) for observer 2 for the pelvic view; 0.87 (0.78–0.92) and 0.97 (0.96–0.99) for the hip AP view; and 0.73 (0.57–0.84) and 0.93 (0.88–0.96) for the oblique view. SRMs were 0.61 (observer 1) and 0.82 (observer 2) for pelvic view; 0.64 and 0.75 for hip AP view; and 0.77 and 0.70 for oblique view. All three views yielded accurate JSW and JSN. According to the best reader, the pelvic view performed slightly better. Both readers exhibited high precision, with SRMs of 0.6 or greater for assessing JSN over three years. Selecting a single reader was the most accurate method, with 0.3 mm precision. Using this cutoff, 50% of patients were classified as 'progressors'.

SummaryTwo hundred and ninety-two patients under the age of 50 years, presenting with mechanical hip pain, were included in a prospective multicenter study. In 241 cases, imaging assessment included AP standing pelvic X-ray and Lequesne's false profile (LFP) and/or lateral neck (Ducroquet, Dunn or variant) hip X-ray. Cross-sectional arthroscan and/or arthro-MRI images were available in 81 cases. Exploration looked for acetabular and femoral head/neck dysplasia liable to induce cam or pincer anterior femoroacetabular impingement (AFAI), respectively. Labral and chondral lesions arise secondarily to hip osteoarthritis (HOA) and/or AFAI. Two-thirds of patients showed HOA. Only 6% showed a strictly normal aspect on imaging. More than half (52%) of cases had cam AFAI, half of these involving an osteophytic neck, associated in more than 90% of cases with large multifocal bone spurs of the head, neck and acetabula. These cases were considered ambiguous, due to the uncertainty as to the congenital nature of the cervico-cephalic dysmorphy; if they are excluded, only 23% of the series involved cam AFAI. Crossover sign on AP standing pelvic X-ray is the best assessment criterion for acetabular retroversion, the most frequent form of acetabular dysplasia underlying pincer AFAI, and should be explored for. Secondary neck lesions were visible only on lateral neck view in 42% of cases: this view should be included in standard radiologic work-up in under-50 year-olds. The alpha angle can be measured on this type of lateral view and on axial arthroscan and arthro-MR images; more than half of the cases in which it was pathological involved an osteophytic neck and thus a pseudo-cam effect.Level of evidenceIV. Descriptive epidemiological study.