Major achievements

In 15 years, the Chingford Study has generated over 70 peer reviewed scientific publications on cross-sectional and longitudinal data (see scientific references). Of these publications 20 have been in journals with high impact ratings; A&R: 11, JBMR: 2, BMJ: 5, Lancet: 2

Examples of our major achievements in the last ten years include:

Classification of OA and progression of disease. This study was the first to develop atlases of standard radiographs of individual features of knee, hip, spine, hand and foot used in epidemiological studies of OA worldwide (Burnett, 1994).

Aids design of trials. The longitudinal obesity paper from this study led to the design of the protocol for the multicentre NIH Doxycycline trial (Brandt et al, A&R, 2005). Chingford natural history data is often used to help design phase II and III pharma studies.

Role of inflammation in OA. In 1997 this was the first study to suggest that low-grade inflammation may be a significant aspect of early OA (Spector TD, A&R, 1997).

Links of OA and OP. Two major population studies clarified the relationship between these diseases. BMD was higher in OA but those with previous fractures were protected from OA, independent of BMD, suggesting a possible common role of bone turnover and repair in the early manifestations of OA (Hart, A&R 2002; ARD 1994).

Role of genes in OA progression. This study identified 9 novel genes whose genotype correlates with knee OA susceptibility and/or progression and could have potential diagnostic or therapeutic value by pointing to possible new disease mechanisms (Valdes, A&R, 2004).

Role of obesity in OA progression. An important study showing one third of middle aged women with unilateral disease will progress to bilateral knee OA within two years and a fifth will progress in the index joint (Spector, ARD 1994).

Family history of Colles fracture. This study showed a positive family history of wrist fracture was associated with a 4-fold risk of wrist fracture, independent of BMD (Keen, Ost Int, 1999).

Role of the vitamin D receptor gene in OA and OP. Study found a polymorphism of the VDR gene associated with an increased risk of knee OA. This study was the first genetic locus that was shown to influence the risk of early knee OA within the general population (Keen, A&R 1997).

Hypermobility unrelated to OA. Contrary to popular belief- this study showed joint hypermobility may be a marker for fitness, manifested by reduced knee OA and increased hip BMD (Dolan, J Rheumatol, 2003).

Importance of spine disc progression. This was the first population-based longitudinal study to assess progression of the individual radiographic features (4% per annum) and show risk factors for lumbar spine disc degeneration (Hassett, A&R, 2003).

Importance of anxiety in falls. This study showed Fear of Falling Index was related to early reduction of mobility function rather than psychological factors. It allows identification of individuals at risk of subsequent functional decline (Martin, Age & Ageing, 2005).

Role of bone turnover in OA progression. This study demonstrated for the first time that bone resorption is increased in patients with progressive knee OA compared with those with nonprogressive knee OA (Bettica, A&R, 2002).

Classification of vertebral fractures for trials. Chingford normative data was used to develop a rapid semi-automated technique for assessing vertebral deformities on lateral spine radiographs. The method has become a world-wide standard in assessing vertebral deformity both in population studies and in clinical trials (McCloskey, Ost Int, 1993).