Infrared spectroscopy can detect end-stage osteoarthritis from human synovial fluid: a pilot study

Purpose: The whole joint is affected by osteoarthritis (OA) resulting in molecular and macroscopic changes within the articular cartilage, synovium, subchondral bone, ligaments, meniscus, and synovial fluid. Identification of early stages of OA may represent a critical clinical window for effective intervention strategies. However, currently, there are no sensitive biomarkers for early-stage OA and the clinical diagnosis is mainly made at later stages. Synovial fluid research is crucial not only for understanding its function in OA pathogenesis but also for identifying biomarkers with potential diagnostic utility.