الفهرس 
Introduction & aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Knee OA is a joint disease characterized by progressive degradation of articular cartilage that leads to pain, joint dysfunction and disability. The OA process involves loss of the normal balance between synthesis and degradation of the macromolecules that provide articular cartilage with its biomechanical and functional properties (lohmander and felson, 1997).
Early diagnosis of OA is a major problem because the diagnosis is usually established by clinical and radiographic criteria. However, when radiological diagnosis is established, significant joint damage has often already occurred. Thus plain X-rays allow only detection of fairly advanced stages of the disease process
(lohmander et ai., 1999).
Magnetic resonance imaging is currently being optimised for this purpose. MRI allows precise visualization of joint structures such as articular cartilage, bone, synovium, ligaments, menisci and other intra-articular structures important to functional integrity of the joint (Bleasel., 1999).
Aggrecan is the predominant proteoglycan spices in articular cartilage and is produced by chondrocytes. The loss of proteoglycan from the cartilage leads to destruction of the tissue causing complete deterioration of the articular cartilage (Peterfy, 2002).
COMP is an abundant extracellular matrix glycoprotein. It may be involved in maintaining the integrity of the collagen network.