Osteroarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement. OA can range from very mild to very severe, affecting hands and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, feet and the back. It generally begins in middle-aged and older people. According to the American Arthritis Foundation OA is responsible for more than 7 million physician visits per year and cost the U.S. economy nearly $65 billion per year in direct expenses and lost wages and production. There are many factors that can cause OA. Although age is a risk factor, research has shown that OA is not an inevitable part of aging. Obesity may lead to osteoarthritis of the knees. In addition, people with joint injuries due to sports, work-related activity or accidents may be at increased risk of developing OA.
Our group and other groups have identified changes in specific genes that cause rare forms of osteoarthritis. This, coupled with population evidence, has led to the speculation that genetic factors do also contribute to common forms of OA. We have an ongoing study to identify genes that account for the inherited component of risk for hip and knee OA. Thus far we have interviewed over 400 patients undergoing knee replacement surgery and over 500 patients undergoing hip replacement. Our preliminary data suggests that siblings of patients getting hip replacements have an increased risk of also developing hip OA. In contrast, we have not found an increased risk to the siblings of patients having knee replacement.
We have collected samples from patients who are scheduled for joint replacement surgery and who also have living brothers or sisters with OA or with a history of joint replacement surgery for OA. Participants were asked to answer questions about their health, joint symptoms, their hobbies, their occupation, and their families. At the time of their joint replacement surgery, we asked that biological samples be collected and forwarded to us. Siblings of participant were also asked to join in the study. If they joined, they were asked to send a small sample of blood for DNA extraction along with information on their own health, joint symptoms, hobbies and occupation.
New patients are no longer being sought for this study.
Additional information on Osteoarthritis can be obtained through the Arthritis Foundation
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