Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Synovial Blood Flow Volume Assessment in Thumb Osteoarthritis Patients

Abstract

The basal thumb joint is commonly affected by osteoarthri-tis, which impacts hand function. Inflammation and changes in blood flow are known to be involved in the disease process and progression. The role of inflammation and blood flow in thumb osteoarthritis is not fully understood. Ultrasound imaging is used to assess the soft tissue features of the dis-ease but remains limited to two-dimensional visualization. The development of three-dimensional ultrasound for thumb osteoarthritis assessment provides comprehensive visuali-zation and volumetric measures. This study investigated three-dimensional ultrasound measures and their associa-tions with existing imaging and functional measures of thumb osteoarthritis. Our results showed lower pain and higher functional scores in thumb OA patients with synovial blood flow volumes using Superb microvascular imaging. This work demonstrated differences in pain and functional measures, while radiographic grading of patients with and without synovial blood flow was similar. These quantitative measures of synovial blood flow enable assessment and monitoring of vascular changes within the joint. Further investigation into the three-dimensional blood flow volume measures over time can improve the understanding of blood flow changes and their role in disease progression.