Arthritis UK Centre for Epidemiology

Investigating the cause and progression of musculoskeletal conditions in specific populations

The Arthritis UK Centre for Epidemiology is based at the University of Manchester. Their research is focused on investigating the cause and progression of musculoskeletal conditions in specific populations and the response to treatment. There is a particular focus on inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) and osteoarthritis.

Information such as previous medical history, disease severity and treatment is being collected from existing groups of patients, as well as large national databases of electronic health records, to develop new treatment strategies such as computerised tools. This will guide treatment decisions and allow clinicians to target therapies to patients who are most likely to respond, leading to better patient outcomes.

The centre is now in its 'Impact' phase until 2025.

Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre

Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Impact Report

For many years, we’ve known that mechanical loading and inflammation contribute to osteoarthritis but the biological processes that link these factors were unknown. The impact of joint injury and joint surgery on our biomechanics and biology, and subtleties in gait or alignment that could contribute to long-term disease, was also unclear. Until now.

Read the report