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Aim:MRI provides unparalleled visualisation of all the anatomical structures involved in the osteoarthritis (OA) process. There is a need for reliable methods of quantifying abnormalities of these structures. The aim of this work was to assess the reliability of a novel MRI scoring system for evaluating OA of the knee and explore the validity of the bone marrow lesion (BML) scoring component of this new tool.Methods:After review of the relevant literature, a collaborative group of rheumatologists and radiologists from centres in the UK and USA established preliminary anatomical divisions, items (necessarily broadly inclusive) and scaling for a novel semi-quantitative knee score. A series of iterative reliability exercises were performed to reduce the initial items, and the reliability of the resultant Boston–Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score (BLOKS) was examined. A further sample had both the BLOKS and WORMS (Whole Organ MRI Score) bone marrow lesion (BML) score performed to assess the construct validity (relation to knee pain) and longitudinal validity (prediction of cartilage loss) of each scoring method.Results:The BLOKS scoring method assesses nine intra-articular regions and contains eight items, including features of bone marrow lesions, cartilage, osteophytes, synovitis, effusions and ligaments. The scaling for each feature ranges from 0–3. The inter-reader reliability for the final BLOKS items ranged from 0.51 for meniscal extrusion up to 0.79 for meniscal tear. The reliability for other key features was 0.72 for BML grade, 0.72 for cartilage morphology, and 0.62 for synovitis. Maximal BML size on the BLOKS scale had a positive linear relation with visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, however the WORMS scale did not. Baseline BML was associated with cartilage loss on both BLOKS and WORMS scale. This association was stronger for BLOKS than WORMS.Conclusion:We have designed a novel scoring system for MRI OA knee, BLOKS, that demonstrates good reliability. Preliminary inspection of the validity of one of the components of this new tool supports the validity of the BLOKS BML scoring method over an existing instrument. Further iterative development will include validation for use in both clinical trials and epidemiological studies.

BackgroundType I interferons (IFN-I) contribute to a broad range of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Compelling evidence suggests that the measurement of IFN-I pathway activation may have clinical value. Although several IFN-I pathway assays have been proposed, the exact clinical applications are unclear. We summarise the evidence on the potential clinical utility of assays measuring IFN-I pathway activation.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted across three databases to evaluate the use of IFN-I assays in diagnosis and monitor disease activity, prognosis, response to treatment and responsiveness to change in several RMDs.ResultsOf 366 screened, 276 studies were selected that reported the use of assays reflecting IFN-I pathway activation for disease diagnosis (n=188), assessment of disease activity (n=122), prognosis (n=20), response to treatment (n=23) and assay responsiveness (n=59). Immunoassays, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and microarrays were reported most frequently, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, systemic sclerosis and primary Sjögren’s syndrome were the most studied RMDs. The literature demonstrated significant heterogeneity in techniques, analytical conditions, risk of bias and application in diseases. Inadequate study designs and technical heterogeneity were the main limitations. IFN-I pathway activation was associated with disease activity and flare occurrence in SLE, but their incremental value was uncertain. IFN-I pathway activation may predict response to IFN-I targeting therapies and may predict response to different treatments.ConclusionsEvidence indicates potential clinical value of assays measuring IFN-I pathway activation in several RMDs, but assay harmonisation and clinical validation are urged. This review informs the EULAR points to consider for the measurement and reporting of IFN-I pathway assays.

To develop evidence based points to consider the use of imaging in the diagnosis and management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in clinical practice. The task force comprised a group of paediatric rheumatologists, rheumatologists experienced in imaging, radiologists, methodologists and patients from nine countries. Eleven questions on imaging in JIA were generated using a process of discussion and consensus. Research evidence was searched systematically for each question using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL. Imaging modalities included were conventional radiography, ultrasound, MRI, CT, scintigraphy and positron emission tomography. The experts used the evidence obtained from the relevant studies to develop a set of points to consider. The level of agreement with each point to consider was assessed using a numerical rating scale. A total of 13 277 references were identified from the search process, from which 204 studies were included in the systematic review. Nine points to consider were produced, taking into account the heterogeneity of JIA, the lack of normative data and consequent difficulty identifying pathology. These encompassed the role of imaging in making a diagnosis of JIA, detecting and monitoring inflammation and damage, predicting outcome and response to treatment, use of guided therapies, progression and remission. Level of agreement for each proposition varied according to the research evidence and expert opinion. Nine points to consider and a related research agenda for the role of imaging in the management of JIA were developed using published evidence and expert opinion.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the value of power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) in combination with routine management in a cohort of patients with very early inflammatory arthritis (IA).Methods:50 patients with ⩽12 weeks of inflammatory symptoms with or without signs had clinical, laboratory and imaging assessments. Diagnosis was recorded at 12 months. Assuming a 15% pre-test probability of IA, post-test probabilities for various assessments were calculated and used to develop a diagnostic algorithm.Results:All patients positive for rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) developed persistent IA, so the added value of PDUS was assessed in the seronegative (RF and CCP negative) group. The probability of IA in a seronegative patient was 6%. The addition of clinical and radiographic features raised the probability of IA to 30% and, with certain ultrasound features, this rose to 94%.Conclusions:In seronegative patients with early IA, combining PDUS with routine assessment can have a major impact on the certainty of diagnosis.

BackgroundEULAR recommendations for the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) were updated in 2017, informed by a systematic literature review (SLR) completed in 2014. Given the high number of SSc-related clinical manifestations and therapy-related publications in the last decade, a new SLR providing the most up-to-date literature to underpin contemporary recommendations for the management of SSc was required.ObjectivesThe aim of this SLR was to provide a critical review of the updated evidence to address the questions prioritized by an international task force.Methods67 clinical questions addressing 30 interventions were explored. Three categories of questions were defined: Type I Questions that were unchanged as compared to the previous set of recommendations; Type II questions exploring the efficacy/effectiveness of an intervention already mentioned in the previous recommendations but with new outcome(s); Type III questions including interventions not mentioned in the previous recommendations. Each interventions was considered independently, with 30 SLRs for 30 interventions (including several outcomes/clinical questions), and 1 dedicated SLR (with several interventions) for calcinosis (31 searches in total). Search strategies were defined with a librarian and a methodologist. Questions were divided among 5 reviewers and three databases were screened (Embase, pubmed and Cochrane Library). Full texts eligible for data extraction were selected according to the PICOS strategy. Data extraction was performed using a pre-defined template. Quality appraisal was performed using the JADAD scale. 10% of all articles were assessed by a second reviewer ensuring consistency and reliability of data extraction. The level of evidence and grade of recommendations were defined according to the CEBM criteria.ResultsFor the first round of SLR, search periods were defined as follows in all three databases: new abstracts released from October 1st 2014 to March 31st 2022 for type I & type II questions and from database inception to march 31st 2022 for type III questions. 14490 abstracts were retrieved from the databases on march 31st 2022 and 18 abstracts were selected manually from march 31st 2022 to October 11th 2022 (date of the nominal group technique (NGT) exercise). 483 new full-texts were evaluated and 172 new articles were included. 187 articles from the SLR for the 2017 recommendations were included as well. For each questions and sub-questions, the reviewers provided a summary of the current knowledge, specifying the level of evidence (1 to 5) and the level of recommendations (A to D). Each summary was reviewed by task force leaders and presented during the NGT meeting to inform discussion and voting on the new recommendations. The majority of the questions covered by this SLR explored new interventions that had not been explored in previous recommendations (40% of type III questions) or with new outcomes (26% of type II questions). New interventions included targeted therapies such as abatacept, JAK inhibitors or nintedanib, and updated questions incorporated the results from key game-changing RCTs including trials on tocilizumab, mycophenolate or rituximab in SSc-interstitial lung disease.ConclusionThis SLR provides the highest level of evidence to address questions prioritized in the 2023 update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of SSc, providing an unprecedented comprehensive overview of recent knowledge on SSc treatments and participating in defining the future research agenda for SSc management.AcknowledgementsThe authors thank all the members of the EUSTAR SSc recommendations update task force.Disclosure of InterestsAlain LESCOAT: None declared, Eugenia Bertoldo: None declared, Jelena Colic: None declared, Tânia Santiago: None declared, Yossra A. Suliman: None declared, Jenny Emmel: None declared, Philip G Conaghan: None declared, Yannick Allanore Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Mylan, Janssen, Medsenic, Prometheus, Sanofi, Roche, Grant/research support from: Alpine Immunosciences, Medsenic, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Francesco Del Galdo Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Jannsen, AstraZeneca, Consultant of: AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Capella, Chemomab, Jannsen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Capella, Chemomab, Kymab, Jannsen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe.

Background The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a non-absorbable biocompatible polyester patch to augment open repair of massive rotator cuff tears (Patch group) and compare outcomes with other treatment options (Non-patch group). Methods Participants referred to orthopaedic clinics for rotator cuff surgery were recruited. Choice of intervention (Patch or Non-patch) was based on patient preference and intra-operative findings. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and Constant score were completed at baseline and 6 months. Shoulder MRI was performed at baseline and 6 months to assess fat fraction and Goutallier classification pre- and post- treatment. Feasibility outcomes (including retention, consent and missing data) were assessed. Results Sixty-eight participants (29 in the Patch group, 39 in Non-patch group) were included (mean age 65.3 years). Conversion to consent (92.6%), missing data (0% at baseline), and attrition rate (16%) were deemed successful feasibility endpoints. There was significant improvement in the Patch group compared to Non-patch at 6 months in OSS (difference in medians 9.76 (95% CI 2.25, 17.29) and SPADI: 22.97 (95% CI 3.02, 42.92), with no substantive differences in Constant score. The patch group had a higher proportion of participants improving greater than MCID for OSS (78% vs 62%) and SPADI (63% vs 50%) respectively. Analysis of the 48 paired MRIs demonstrated a slight increase in the fat fraction for supraspinatus (53 to 55%), and infraspinatus (26 to 29%) at 6 months. These differences were similar and in the same direction when the participants were analysed by treatment group. The Goutallier score remained the same or worsened one grade in both groups equally. Conclusions This study indicates that a definitive clinical trial investigating the use of a non-absorbable patch to augment repair of massive rotator cuff tears is feasible. In such patients, the patch has the potential to improve shoulder symptoms at 6 months. Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN79844053 , Registered 15th October 2014 (retrospectively registered).

Growing evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that osteoarthritis (OA) is linked to atheromatous vascular disease. This hypothesis article proposes that OA, or at least OA structural progression, may be an atheromatous vascular disease of subchondral bone. Further epidemiological studies, imaging investigations of relevant blood vessels, and trials of the effects of statins on the prevention and treatment of OA are needed to examine this hypothesis.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, with the knee being the joint most frequently affected, and symptomatic knee OA affecting around one quarter of the general population. For patients who do not respond to non-pharmacologic or pharmacologic treatment, surgery is a recommended option. The objectives of this study were to compare the willingness of patients with knee OA to undergo surgery, together with reasons for delaying surgery, and factors affecting successful outcomes. Methods A point-in-time survey was conducted in 729 primary care physicians, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and 2,316 patients with knee OA across three geographical regions: Japan, the United States (US), and Europe (EUR: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom), in order to garner their perceptions of knee surgery. Regression models were used to identify factors that might affect patients’ and physicians’ perceptions of surgery, including severity of OA (mild/moderate/severe), number of affected joints, surgery status, and willingness to undergo or delay surgery. Results Baseline demographics were similar between US and EUR, although patients in Japan were more likely to be female, older, and only 7% in fulltime employment. We found that few patients with end-stage knee OA, across all regions, but particularly Japan, were willing to undergo surgery (Japan 17%, US 32%, EUR 38%), either through fear, or the lack of awareness of the risk/benefits. Moreover, surgeons are prepared to delay surgery in elderly or unwilling patients, due to their dissatisfaction with the outcome, and may defer surgery in younger patients due to the need for future revision. We also identified a disconnect between physicians, of whom over 80% consider improved functioning to be the most important outcome of surgery, and patients, who seek pain relief (Japan 60%, US 35%, EUR 14%). Since physicians across all regions considered pain reduction to be an indication of surgery success (Japan 27%, US 47%, EUR 43%), this may indicate a need for improved communication to patients on the potential benefits of surgery. Conclusion Managing the expectations of patients undergoing surgery remains an important goal in the treatment of knee OA and may help guide physician choice.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of subclinical synovitis using ultrasound (US) imaging of both painful and asymptomatic joints, in patients with early (<12 months), untreated oligoarthritis (⩽5 joints). Methods: Eighty patients underwent a detailed clinical assessment by two physicians. All painful joints were identified, which were immediately scanned by a sonographer. In the last 40 patients, an additional standard group of joints was scanned to establish the prevalence of synovitis in asymptomatic joints. Results: In 80 patients, 644 painful joints (with and without clinical synovitis) were identified and each underwent a US assessment. Of these joints, 185 had clinical synovitis, of which, US detected synovitis in only 79% (147/185). In the other 38 joints US demonstrated tenosynovitis instead of synovitis in 12 joints and possible, but not definite, synovitis in 11 joints. Fifteen joints were, however, normal on US. In 459 joints that were not clinically synovitic, US detected synovitis in 33% (150/459). In 64% (51/80) of patients, US detected synovitis in more joints than clinical examination and in 36% (29/80) of patients, US detected a polyarthritis (>6 joints). Of the 826 asymptomatic (non-painful) joints scanned, 13% (107/826) had US detected synovitis. Conclusion: Sonography detected more synovitis than clinical examination in patients with oligoarthritis. In almost two thirds of patients there was evidence of subclinical disease while one third could be reclassified as polyarticular. These findings suggest that a definition of oligoarthritis based purely on clinical findings may be inappropriate, which may have important implications for disease management.

Objectives To determine clinical and ultrasonographic predictors of joint replacement surgery across Europe in primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods This was a 3-year prospective study of a painful OA knee cohort (from a EULAR-sponsored, multicentre study). All subjects had clinical evaluation, radiographs and ultrasonography (US) at study entry. The rate of knee replacement surgery over the 3-year follow-up period was determined using Kaplan–Meier survival data analyses. Predictive factors for joint replacement were identified by univariate log-rank test then multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Potential baseline predictors included demographic, clinical, radiographic and US features. Results Of the 600 original patients, 531 (88.5%), mean age 67±10 years, mean disease duration 6.1±6.9 years, had follow-up data and were analysed. During follow-up (median 3 years; range 0–4 years), knee replacement was done or required for 94 patients (estimated event rate of 17.7%). In the multivariate analysis, predictors of joint replacement were as follows: Kellgren and Lawrence radiographic grade (grade ≥III vs

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