RESEARCH
Working towards a pain free future.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that involves articular cartilage breakdown, loss of joint function with pain, and severe disability.
With millions of people affected globally, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a huge health care burden. Further, knee ligament and cartilage injury in younger populations can result in the development of osteoarthritis over time. Despite successful reconstructive surgery, osteoarthritis may still develop. This situation can severely impact one’s quality of life, employment opportunities, and overall health.
The objective of my research program is to determine changes associated with damage, contribute to the understanding of inflammation development, and provide foundational evidence for care related to delaying osteoarthritis development. By advancing methods of treatment, early osteoarthritis sufferers can effectively carry on with day-to-day activities, as well as avoid more invasive and expensive surgical methods, such as joint replacements.
Connect with Dr. Kristen Barton’s Research Team