Exploring the Correlation Between Bone Marrow Edema in the Tibial Plateau and Surgical Preferences in Stage 3 Gonarthrosis Patients

Abstract:* Objective: This research aimed to investigate the association between the presence of bone marrow edema in the tibial plateau and the patient's inclination towards surgery in individuals diagnosed with stage 3 gonarthrosis. Background/Purpose: A cohort of 40 patients with confirmed stage 3 gonarthrosis was enrolled in this study. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were employed to assess the presence and severity of bone marrow edema in the tibial plateau. Patient demographics, clinical history, and radiographic data were collected. A comprehensive statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, was performed to identify any significant relationships. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between edema and age (r = 0.47, p < 0.01), indicating that as age increases, the presence of edema also tends to increase. No significant correlations were found between edema and BMI (r = -0.06, p = 0.70), or between BMI and age (r = 0.08, p = 0.62). This suggests that, within this sample, BMI does not significantly relate to either edema or age. Patients with more pronounced bone marrow edema were more likely to opt for surgery. Additionally, age and previous conservative treatment outcomes were identified as potential confounding factors influencing the decision-making process. Conclusion: The findings of this research underscore the relevance of bone marrow edema in the tibial plateau as a factor influencing the surgical inclination of stage 3 gonarthrosis patients. Understanding this relationship can contribute to a more personalized approach to treatment decisions in orthopedic practice, allowing healthcare professionals to better plan the interventions based on individual patient characteristics and preferences. Further studies are warranted to explore additional factors that may contribute to the complex decision-making process in managing advanced knee osteoarthritis.