Correlation of MRI-Based MOAKS Grading with WOMAC Clinical Scores in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Shankhwar, Amit; Agrawal, Alka; Khan, Faraz; Solanki, Priya; Singh, Priya; Dhayal, Komal

doi:10.21608/jmals.2025.394832.1055

Correlation of MRI-Based MOAKS Grading with WOMAC Clinical Scores in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Dept of Radiodiagnosis MGM Medical College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, 452001

² Dept of Radiodiagnosis MGM Medical College, Indore, India

³ Dept of Radiodiagnosis MGM Medical College, Indore 452001

⁴ Department of radiodiagnosis MGM medical college MY hospital indore

10.21608/jmals.2025.394832.1055

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. MRI plays a key role in the early detection of joint changes before radiographic signs appear. The MOAKS (MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score) system provides a structured assessment of bone marrow lesions, cartilage loss, and other structural abnormalities. The WOMAC score is a widely used clinical tool to assess patient symptoms in OA. Aim: To evaluate the correlation between MRI-based MOAKS grading and clinical severity assessed using the WOMAC score in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, M.G.M. Medical College & M.Y. Hospital, Indore, between November 2023 and November 2024. A total of 110 patients with clinically diagnosed primary knee OA underwent MRI on a 3T system. MOAKS features were scored, and WOMAC scores were documented. Correlations between MRI findings and clinical scores were analysed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: BML showed the strongest correlation with WOMAC total score (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Cartilage loss, meniscal extrusion, and ligament tears showed moderate correlation (r = 0.45 0.48). Osteophytes, synovitis, and effusion showed weaker but significant correlations.
Conclusion: There is a significant association between MOAKS features and WOMAC scores, particularly with BML and cartilage loss. MRI grading helps in understanding clinical severity and can aid in treatment planning.

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