News

St George's Hospital Charity is pleased to provide a one-year update on the significant progress made in the Hand ARThritis Study (HARTS) which is led by Principal Investigator and Professor of Rheumatology at St George's, University of London, Professor Nidhi Sofat.

Awarded in December 2022, a £18,790 grant from St George's Hospital Charity enabled the hiring of Research Assistant Seyi-Taylor Kuti, whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing the study of hand osteoarthritis (OA) through Professor Sofat’s project.

Over the past year, the funding has supported the essential work of Research Assistant Seyi-Taylor Kuti, who has meticulously analysed patient samples. Under the expert guidance of hand surgeons Ms Umarji and Ms Cerovac, Seyi has been focusing on correlating changes in tissue samples with patients' pain profiles and imaging results. This detailed analysis is crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of hand OA, aiming to improve personalised care for affected patients.

The HARTS initiative has made significant strides in elucidating the relationship between tissue pathology and pain perception in hand arthritis. The study seeks to refine diagnostic precision and expand treatment options by integrating imaging and pathological findings. This comprehensive approach promises to provide patients with clearer insights into their condition and more tailored pain management strategies.

Highlighting the importance of this research, the team's work was accepted for presentation at the prestigious Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Conference in April 2024 in Vienna. The presentation, Is all OA the same? Features of pain, imaging, and pathological changes in bone and cartilage in hand versus knee osteoarthritis: a clinical, imaging and tissue-based study, will feature contributions from Sofat N, Taylor-Kuti S, Niakan A, Umarji S, Cerovac S, Moledina J, Ejindu V, Siebachmeyer M, Sanyal K, and Howe FA.

Reflecting on the past year's achievements, the insights gained from this research are set to enhance the management of hand osteoarthritis, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and quality of life. The data collected provides a better understanding of the nature of pain in OA, informing more effective pain relief methods and addressing a critical aspect of patient care.

This grant highlights St George's Hospital Charity's commitment to advancing medical research and underscores the ongoing effort to improve the lives of those affected by hand osteoarthritis.

The osteoarthritis bone score (OABS): a new histological scoring system for the characterisation of bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritis

The progress made in the past year demonstrates the impact of charitable funding on innovative healthcare research, which is why in February of this year we awarded a further £4,274 to fund the extension of the Research Assistant’s time by three months.

Katy Vaughan, Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital Charity, said: "Supporting innovative research like the Hand ARThritis Study is central to our mission at St George's Hospital Charity.

“We are proud to fund work that has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients with hand osteoarthritis.

“The progress made in the past year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the research team, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of their important work."

  Our Impact