@ollieosul
Assistant Professor, University of Nottingham | Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Medicine Doctor, British Army | NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer | A/Editor, BMJ Military Health | Three rugrats | Sports fan | Runner | He/him
Hi team, if you are still looking for speakers, I work in the field of musculoskeletal injuries, in young active populations, with an interest in the rehab and long term outcomes - I’d be happy to talk across the scope of that. Let me know
I was today years old when I used #Pythagoras’ theorem for a real life reason. I really wish I had listened more in maths and also, I apologise to my maths teacher for claiming I’d never need to know it. Mr Anthony, you were right after all. #GCSE #furnitureandceilings
Hi team, I’ve DM’d you!
Table showing three included studies testing exercise interventions in individuals under 45 years old
And although #Exercise has been shown to have great benefits for #OA, the evidence is solely lacking in the younger population, i.e. <45years old, and there is a heavy bias for older individuals!
bit.ly/45kkBa9
Figure describing the military relevance of expert consensus recommendations for secondary osteoarthritis prevention
And, there are experts around the world who can help such as OPTIKNEE & @oaactionalliance.bsky.social
- we can introduce high-quality consensus evidence into our population to prevent secondary #OA
bit.ly/3BGDzeY
A figure showing interventions that can help osteoarthritis
But what can we do about it??
The more we know about risk factors, the better we can target them.
The more individuals know about their condition, the better they can manage it.
There is a lot we can do.
bit.ly/3x4kEJ7
We saw that this new technique and that some sub-maximal exercise influenced the concentrations of serum biomarkers - therefore, do we need to consider novel methods or 'exercise fasts' if we want to improve serum analysis?
bit.ly/4l1k15I
@f1000publishing.bsky.social
Ultrasound images of the great saphenous vein undergoing serum sampling
So, can we enhance this subtle signal? Perhaps a new technique might help, so we developed a novel sampling method closer to the joint in question, taking serum from local venous supply using ultrasound
bit.ly/459wJcY
@f1000publishing.bsky.social
Heatmap showing associations between serum biomarkers and specific radiographic features of osteoarthritis
Also, we saw different elements of the OARSI radiographic scale had slightly different molecular patterns, suggesting different pathophysiological processes underpinning these
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A figure showing different trajectories of osteoarthritis development after injury and lower limb amputation
What about over time? Three years on in ADVANCE Study, #OA levels increase, but predictive ability was limited. However, we did see differences in trajectories, suggesting a heightened early risk and 'clinical window of maximal intervention'
bit.ly/4ood5CO
Heatmap showing correlations between serum biomarkers and radiographic osteoarthritis, pain and function
So, what's new? In the ADVANCE Study (n=>1000,half injured ,half matched),COMP is up in in (fibrosis?!),down in knee-injury & amputees – cartilage health is vital for synthesis.Adipokines were a/w pain (phenotyping?!)& no diff between iOA and PTOA!
bit.ly/3CqQ4eG
@oacjournal.bsky.social
Figure showing associations between MRI findings and knee osteoarthritis outcomes
#MRI provides different data, w bone shape/position & cartilage morphology/composition giving some clues. Possibly in #PTOA, structural problems lead to compositional changes, vice versa in iOA. Heterogentity is an issue here too!
bit.ly/3GN8xoB
@oacjournal.bsky.social
Figure demonstrating serum (red) and synovial fluid (orange) associations with osteoarthritis changes and pain
From a molecular perspective, 51 serum and synovial fluid biomarkers have been examined, 11 of which had some associative value to #OA in the nearly 800 injured participants included in the review. Study heterogeneity is an issue!
bit.ly/473vcrf
@oacjournal.bsky.social
Flow diagram to show manuscript screening process
Prior to any new work starting, it was important to understand the existing literature, especially in the ‘chronic phase of PTOA’, a year or more from injury. Once all rehab pathways are complete and people have returned to play, what can we see?
Snipped text showing rates of ostearthritis in the British military
In the British military, electronic health records under-report #OA, many factors inc EHR-limitations, diagnostic challenges and Service-related issues. We need to be mindful it occurs <45YO, especially in male, especially after injury!
bit.ly/3GZpa0o
A figure showing risk factors for osteoarthritis
a table describing different forms of osteoarthritis
OA is complex, so I wanted provide a (simple) primer of what happens, why it happens and how we talk about it. It is important our termininology is specific to minimise generalisations. The more we know about risk factors, the better we can target them.
bit.ly/4m7NvAx
Figure demonstrating the three tiers of prevention - primary, secondary and tertiary, with two text boxes, one outlining the roles of biomarkers and the other risk factors for osteoarthritis
Firstly, the population at risk and why #military individuals are at higher risk of #OA, especially #PTOA. We need to move from a management to prevention paradigm, and we need to improve identification tools such as biomarkers…
bit.ly/48HwZ4k
#PhDone in #Osteoarthritis - tomorrow I start as an Assistant Professor at @uniofnottingham.bsky.social, with an @nihr.bsky.social Academic Clinical Lecturer post.
One of the criticisms I had in my viva was that my publications weren’t obvious, so…
GET IN! Well done Inspirational Lionesses! #ItsStayedHome #EngSpa #Euro2025
Thanks - I just missed this grad period cut-off, so will do it in Dec, but actually, by then I’ll be over the fatigue and be able to relish in the joy. Congrats right back at you, I hope it was a magical day!
For some serendipitous reasons, I seem to have combined recent PhD landmarks (viva, corrections resubmitted, PhD awarding) with major music concerts, so not much sleep (yet) but incredible throwback to my undergrad 20 years ago. It’s been ace!
Thanks! I thought I would be looking for the dancing clowns firing bottles of champagne from confetti cannons by now… but all I want is a nap! Maybe I’ll go and find the clowns when I graduate…
Delighted to say; this time last week I was told my corrections were approved, and therefore, #PhDone
It will surprise literally *no-one* if I say it wasn’t easy and my overwhelming emotion is tired.
And relief.
But mostly tired.
#AcademicSky #PhD @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
*FINAL CALL*
This initial needs assessment for medical leadership development for military trainees will close at the end of July, excellent engagement so far, >120 responders, if you / someone you work with wants to add to it, please don’t miss out. Takes 2 min (genuinely, I’ve seen the numbers!)
Know someone who might be interested in the DRN? Please share the attached flyer with them!
Medical Leadership Development for Military Trainees!
Initial leadership development needs assessment, ave time 2.1 mins. Help me help you!
@defprofmilmeduk.bsky.social @drkateking.bsky.social @edbarn.bsky.social
www.surveymonkey.com/r/B7DKYHL
Medical Leadership Development for Military Trainees!
Initial leadership development needs assessment, ave time 2.1 mins. Help me help you!
@defprofmilmeduk.bsky.social @drkateking.bsky.social @edbarn.bsky.social
www.surveymonkey.com/r/B7DKYHL
Ok, here we go. Today is #Viva day…
Present Ollie, it’s nearly your chance to shine. Good luck old chap!
#AcademicSky & #PhDSky, does anyone have any sage last minute pearls?
@versusarthritis.bsky.social @uniofnottingham.bsky.social @defenceresnet.bsky.social @dmrc-admr.bsky.social
Advert for the Defence Research Network Meet The Editors online Webinar on Thursday 22nd May at 1200
This lunchtime, come and join the
@defenceresnet.bsky.social ‘Meet the Editors’ webinar - great line-up of interesting people (& me) talking about a range of journals!
@hannahrwest.bsky.social @bmj.com @tandfresearch.bsky.social #JMVFH #BMJMilitaryHealth
I’ve just finished reading through my thesis in prep for my imminent viva.
You know what, Past Ollie? You’ve done a good job there…I think it stands up well! I picked up some of your ‘deliberate mistakes’, but overall, well done!
Don’t screw it up now,
Future Ollie….
#AcademicSky #PhDSky #Viva