Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of knee pain and knee replacement in older people. The disease is characterised by a progressive thinning and loss of cartilage until the exposed ends of bones in a joint rub together causing pain. Currently, there is no treatment to reduce the loss of cartilage associated with OA.
It is thought that some of aspirin properties may help preserve cartilage in knee joints and reduce the burden of OA. However, the effect of aspirin on OA is unproven.
What participation involved
ASPREE participants in this sub-study underwent an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) of a knee, completed questionnaires and recorded physical activity for seven days at enrolment, and again three years later.
Data from ASPREE-Knee are being collated and analysed.

Can aspirin reduce cartilage loss associated with OA?
Collaboration:
- The Musculo-skeletal Unit at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
- Monash University Biomedical Imaging Centre (MBI)
- GP Associate Investigators
Funding:
- Monash University
Updated 23.04.2019