With millions around the world suffering from arthritis, 54 million people in the USA alone, scientists across the world have spent years researching the condition. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for the condition, which places more pressure on researchers to find out more about the condition. Due to the advancements of modern medicine, a number of new developments have been made in the field of arthritis, all of which bring scientists one step closer to a cure.
3D Cartilage Surface Mapping
Just in June, a team of researchers and engineers from the University of Cambridge released their latest development for arthritis. The team has devised an algorithm, which, by using MRI scans of the knee, is able to construct a 3D image of the joint. The image pinpoints exactly where the arthritis is present, and perhaps more significantly, tracks diminutive changes overtime, which was not previously possible. This innovation opens the door for scientists to understand more about the condition, which can ultimately aid to find a cure. Dr. James MacKay from Cambridge’s Department of Radiology explains the significance of the technology saying, ‘...if we’re able to detect the early signs of cartilage breakdown in joints, it will help us understand the disease better, which could lead to new treatments for this painful condition.”
Infrared Light Diagnoses
Looking specifically at rheumatoid arthritis, researchers from the University of Birmingham have developed a new method of diagnosis using infrared light, for the autoimmune disease. Currently, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by blood-test, ultrasound, or x-ray, all of which require people to make judgments, and therefore is vulnerable to doctor expertise and human error. The technology developed by the University of Birmingham uses a scanner to first create a 3D image of your hand and then shines the infrared light through each finger. Depending on the amount of light coming through the fingers, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis can be deciphered. As with most other conditions, early detection for rheumatoid arthritis is vital because ‘early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes,’ states Professor Hamid Dehghani, who led the study.
Neurostimulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although there are some medications available to manage the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, these often do not provide a solution for every patient. However, new research into neurostimulation has produced some promising results. By using electrical impulses, researchers stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for managing inflammation in the body. To test the effectiveness of this treatment, researchers conducted a clinical trial with 14 people, of which six were treated with nerve stimulation for 12 weeks. Four of the six participants showcased improvements in symptoms, however, it should be noted that this was a very small study, and more research is needed to assess the effectiveness and safety of the method.
Be Part of Medical History
There have been considerable developments in the research for arthritis, however, it is clear that more still has to be learned about the condition. All the developments above relied on researchers being able to physically assess their research, meaning they had to carry out clinical trials. For more to be discovered about arthritis, and a cure to be found, more clinical trials need to be conducted, which ultimately relies on trial participants. To sign up for clinical trials, click here.
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