Early Structural Changes in Knees Frequently Seen in 30-Somethings Without Symptoms

Research from the University of Oulu reveals that subtle structural alterations in the knee joint are prevalent among adults in their early 30s, even in individuals who do not experience knee pain or other related symptoms. This discovery is based on a recent study where MRI scans showed signs of joint damage in over half of the participants aged around 33 years. Notably, increased body mass index (BMI) was identified as the most significant factor associated with these early changes.

The study involved 297 individuals from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986, all undergoing comprehensive health assessments, blood testing, and knee MRI imaging. The findings indicated minor cartilage defects, particularly between the kneecap (patella) and the thighbone (femur), in a majority of the participants. Additionally, some showed cartilage wear in the joint between the shinbone (tibia) and femur, along with small osteophytes or bone spurs, which are early signs of osteoarthritis.

Experts emphasize that weight management plays a crucial role in preventing these joint alterations. "Weight appears to have a stronger relationship with structural knee changes than height, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to potentially stave off future joint problems," explains Joona Tapio, a researcher and clinician.

The increasing use of knee MRI in clinical settings often uncovers minor osteoarthritis-related changes that may not yet produce symptoms. Dr. Antti Kemppainen advises that MRI results should always be interpreted within the broader clinical picture to avoid unnecessary concern.

Despite most participants being asymptomatic, these findings suggest that joint structural changes can develop long before symptoms appear. This highlights the need for longitudinal studies to track how these early changes evolve and identify risk factors that may predict progression into symptomatic osteoarthritis later in life.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-early-knees-common-people-30s.html]