The Association Between Periarticular Knee Tissue Perfusion and Knee Pain, Physical Function among Non-Overweight Postmenopausal Females

Abstract

Objective: Examine the link between periarticular knee tissue perfusion and knee osteoarthritis symptoms, physical function in non-overweight postmenopausal females.Methods: Women (n=48, ages 50-85 years, BMI< 25 kg/m²) underwent knee dynamic contrast enhanced MRI. Pain scores (KOOS, ICOAP) and physical function (40m walk, 30s chair stand, 9-step stair climb) as outcomes were correlated with pharmacokinetic values (Ktrans) from the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) and nearby synovial areas. Results: Each standard deviation increase in IPFP Ktrans led to a 5.70 unit reduction in KOOS pain scores (more pain), a 4.6-fold increase in odds of constant pain, a 7.34 unit rise in ICOAP constant pain scores, a 5.75 unit drop in KOOS ADL scores, 2.1 seconds longer stair climb, and 22.64 seconds longer 40m walk. Conclusions Higher IPFP perfusion was associated with significantly increased OA symptoms (pain, physical function). Further longitudinal studies are recommended.