Association Of Quantitative Measures Of Effusion-Synovitis Using Deep-Learning With Semi-Quantitative Scoring Systems

Purpose: Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, which leads to fluid secretion as joint effusion and is an important pathophysiological feature of osteoarthritis (OA). Synovitis can occur at any stage of OA and is associated with stiffness and pain. In contrast to bony and cartilaginous structural damage caused by OA, synovial inflammation is more likely to regress or resolve, thus making it an attractive therapeutic target. Objectively measuring effusion volume as an indicator of active OA could improve sensitivity to changes over time or during treatment, improving OA assessment.