Laboratory for Translational Research in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatic Diseases

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, affecting primarily the knees, hips, hands, and spine.  Joint damage in OA includes cartilage erosion, subchondral bone sclerosis, bone remodeling with osteophyte formation, and episodes of synovitis.  Diagnosis is based on radiographical changes – primarily joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophytes – accompanied by clinical symptoms, most prominently pain.

At the Laboratory for Translational Research in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatic Diseases, established in 2009 by Dr. Anne-Marie Malfait at Rush University Medical Center in the Division of Rheumatology, Principal Investigators Dr. Anne-Marie Malfait and Dr. Rachel Miller lead studies in the following areas of interest:

• Pain pathways in osteoarthritis and other rheumatic diseases

• Development of DMOADs (disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs), with a focus on intra-articular treatment modalities

• Role of biomechanics in osteoarthritis pain