Cholesterol-lowering medication might slow knee joint damage: Study

AUSTRALIA: A recent trial by Monash University into the outcomes of cholesterol-lowering medication (statins) on knee osteoarthritis had uncovered that whilst not an effective remedy for that condition, it had the added benefit of restricting the progression of knee joint impairment.

The compelling secondary finding of the randomised placebo-controlled trial discovered that statins slowed the progression of knee damage, and participants with healthier knee joints were less likely to develop bone marrow lesions, often an early indicator of knee abnormalities associated with pain and joint damage.

Professor Flavia Cicuttini, the lead author and rheumatologist from the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, expresses that statins are generally used to avert conditions such as atherosclerosis, a condition caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries. This can result in myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), strokes, and knee joints' damage through the reduced blood supply. 

"Based on the findings from the healthier subgroup in our trial, it may be that the common use of statins in the management of the cardiovascular disease is also having a benefit on knees by guarding them against knee joint damage," Professor Cicuttini communicated.

Knee osteoarthritis is a widespread reason for knee pain in over 40. There is currently no treatment to restrict its progression, so patients may require knee replacements as their condition worsens. 

"Often knee pain can be a warning sign of other potential health issues. If you're experiencing knee pain, then see your GP. Get your blood pressure, weight and cholesterol checked. Having knee pain can be an opportunity to do a health check that will benefit knees, as well as general health since those with osteoarthritis are at twice the risk of heart disease." said Professor Cicuttini.

The research titled "Effect of Atorvastatin on Knee Cartilage Volume in Patients With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Results From a Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial. " has been published in the Journal of the American College of Rheumatology.