Researchers have discovered a potential strategy for determining the efficacy of therapeutics for patients with osteoarthritis, according to a study published by Felson et al in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Researchers used the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network cohort to examine the data of 2,340 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery following a traumatic tear and found that 16.6% to 26.0% of them reported experiencing mild to moderate knee pain while performing their daily activities. The researchers explained that although animal models of posttraumatic osteoarthritis have identified potential treatment options, human trials have not demonstrated similar results. They hypothesized that the incorporation of patients with more advanced disease stages may have led to the failure of the trials and suggested that patients more likely to develop posttraumatic osteoarthritis—such as those with ACL tears—should be included in future trials. The capability of identifying high-risk patients early may allow researchers to establish a group through which preventive treatments may be tested. Further, risk factors such as pain and structural changes may be utilized when selecting patients at high risk of future pain. In a companion press release on the findings from the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, the study authors concluded: “Given the repeated, expensive, and discouraging past failures in the development of effective treatments for [osteoarthritis], a new approach is needed that focuses research into effective treatment on those with early disease.”