PET/computed tomography shows association between subjective pain in knee joints and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-PET/computed tomography (CT) in screening for musculoskeletal inflammation and injury in the knee region. Methods The study included 12 subjects (6 men and 6 women) who complained of knee pain at rest and 94 controls who did not. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUV)max was calculated for the right and left knees and compared via a 4-point numerical rating scale (NRS) for subjective knee pain. Correlations between SUV values were also evaluated. Results SUVmax was significantly higher in knee joints with resting and/or walking pain than in pain-free knee joints. SUVmax in knee joints with walking pain were significantly correlated with NRS category (β = 0.129, P < 0.001). Conclusion 18F-FDG-PET/CT may be useful in screening for musculoskeletal inflammation and injury in the knee region. As knee pain is common, especially among elderly individuals, we should consider conducting further examinations when 18F-FDG uptake is identified in knee joints.