By examining the phenotypic plasticity of cartilage and tendon cells, researchers found that oxidative stress and P13K signaling pathways are key modulators of the phenotype of musculoskeletal cells. Using monolayer and three-dimensional cultures, the experiments confirmed that dedifferentiation occurs via reductions in expression of genes for cartilage (Col2a1, Agcn) and tendon (Tnmd, Serpinf1)…
Opening up to patients about a medical condition is a personal choice for physicians. But for Richard Brasington, MD, who has chronic back pain and arthritis, it helps him communicate with and connect to some of his patients. In an interview, he provides insights into his experiences managing pain on the job…
Eugene Kissin, MD, says the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound can help rheumatologists diagnose and treat disease. Getting the proper training is critical. USSONAR is a training resource that can help…
Running barefoot may conjure images of summer and childhood, but since Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia set a world record running barefoot in the marathon in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome (Olympic gold medal in a world-record 2:15:16.2), many runners have adopted the style. A recent study found that running barefoot may be associated with significantly fewer overall musculoskeletal injuries than running shod…
To improve access to quality of care for patients with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal pain, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a continuing education program designed to strengthen the musculoskeletal knowledge and skills of primary care providers (PCPs). In the program’s initial trial in 2012, 19 physicians were trained on exams, treatments and joint injections. Two years after course completion, some participants increased the number of intraarticular corticosteroid injections at their clinics without needing to refer patients to specialists…
NIAMS director Stephen I. Katz, MD, PhD, highlights agency research, training planned for this year and beyond
Physicians discuss definition, implementation of best clinical practices for patient care at multidisciplinary meeting last November
The ACR created the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course for Rheumatologists with Interventional Cadaver Workshop—Intermediate specifically for rheumatologists who are using musculoskeletal ultrasound in their practice and are ready to expand their skills.
The ethics of ultrasound
Where rheumatology and orthopedics meet