Soft structural changes visible in knee magnetic resonance scans are already common among adults about thirty years, even those without knee or other symptoms. A study by the University of Oulu found signs of joint damage in more than half of the 33 -year -old participants. A high body mass index arose as the most common factor associated with these changes.
The participants were part of the birth cohort of northern Finland 1986 (NFBC1986), with 297 individuals under knee images. Each participant received a comprehensive health exam, provided blood samples and underwent an exploration of magnetic resonance images of the knee. His average age was 33.7 years.
The most common findings were the lower articular cartilage defects, particularly between the bruis and the thigh, observed in more than half of the images. The cartilage defects were also found in the joint between the pimple and the thigh in approximately a quarter of the participants. In addition, small bone spuries, or osteophytes were detected in more than half of the group, although they were generally small.
The researchers identified a higher body mass index as the clearest factor linked to the findings of magnetic resonance.
The particular weight seems to be associated with structural changes in the knee joint, since the height had a much lower effect compared to the body mass index. These results highlight the importance of weight control to prevent joint diseases. “
Joona Tapio, doctor and researcher specialized in the Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
“The use of the magnetic resonance of the knee is increasing, often because of very good reasons. Modern image technologies even reveal minor changes in the form of osteoarthritis. As with the images of the lumbar column, it is crucial to interpret the findings of the knee within the broader clinical context and to adhere to the appropriate image guidelines,” says Antti Kempaine of the Faculty of Medicine.
Although most participants were asymptomatic, the findings suggest that structural changes in the joints can occur before clear symptoms are developed. Researchers emphasize the need for longitudinal studies to determine what factors predict the progression of these changes later in life.
The study was published in osteoarthritis and cartilage in April: Kemppainen A, Tapio J, Nieminen Mt, Saarakkala S, Nevalainen Mt. The structural magnetic resonance findings of the knee are already frequent in a birth cohort of the general population at 33 years of age. Osteoarthritis cartilage. 2025 April 17.
Fountain:
Newspaper reference:
Kemppainen, A., et al. (2025). The structural magnetic resonance findings of the knee are already frequent in a birth cohort of the general population at 33 years of age. Osteoarthritis and cartilage. doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.04.008.
(Tagstotransilate) Body mass index
