MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Crown at 312-503-8928 or e-crown@northwestern.edu

July 13, 2004

Osteoarthritis Study Needs Participants

CHICAGO --- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine needs participants for a research study on knee osteoarthritis (OA).

The OA study, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, is headed by rheumatologist Leena Sharma, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the Feinberg School.

Knee osteoarthritis, which is characterized by progressive deterioration of knee cartilage, is a leading cause of disability in the elderly. The rate of progression of OA is poorly understood.

To be eligible for the study, participants must have OA in one or both knees and have at least a little difficulty with daily activities due to this condition.

The study will consist of two evaluations occurring two years apart. Each evaluation may be broken up into two separate appointments, depending on testing schedules. Participants will complete questionnaires asking about their arthritis and overall health, and their knees will be evaluated for knee stability, strength, knee alignment and limb position sense (the ability to sense how one’s limb is positioned).

Qualifying participants will be reimbursed for travel and involvement in the study.

For information on the knee OA study, contact September Cahue, project coordinator, at 312-908-0560.