Weight change and change in tibial cartilage volume and symptoms in obese adults

Abstract

Introduction: There is a paucity of data examining the effects of weight change on knee joint structures and symptoms. This study examined the effect of weight change on change in knee cartilage volume and symptoms in an obese cohort. Methods: 112 obese subjects (Body Mass Index ≥30 kg/m2) were recruited from various community sources to examine the effect of obesity on musculoskeletal health. Tibial cartilage volume, determined by MRI, and knee symptoms, determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were collected at baseline and an average of 2.3 years later. Results: Percentage weight change was associated with change in medial tibial cartilage volume (β -1.2..