Updated March 26, 2015.

It may seem sometimes like not much is happening in osteoarthritis news and research. When we revisit what happened in 2010, it's clear that researchers are working to find methods for earlier detection of osteoarthritis and more effective treatments. Along the way they have discovered that some popular treatments are actually ineffective. Here is a review of the top 10 osteoarthritis news stories for 2010.

1. 1. Cartilage Repair for Osteoarthritis May Not Be Too Far Off
   Researchers have long studied ways to achieve cartilage repair. The technique considered most promising is Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI). With ACI, a sample of cartilage is non-invasively removed from a healthy site, cells are isolated and cultured, then re-implanted into the bad joint. There also is an enhanced method known as matrix-assisted ACI (MACI) -- whereby cultured cells are fixed to a biomaterial before being implanted. Read more...

1. 2. Osteoarthritis Statistics Are Striking
   Most are unaware of how many people are affected by osteoarthritis and how many more will develop the disease, according to projections through 2030. About 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. One in 2 people will develop osteoarthritis during their lifetime. There are even more numbers that show the extent and magnitude of osteoarthritis in the U.S. Read more...

1. 3. Researchers Working on Early Detection Test for Osteoarthritis
   Researchers are working on a new test for early detection and diagnosis of osteoarthritis. According to a report published online April 13, 2010 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, researchers identified 14 ratios of metabolites significantly associated with knee osteoarthritis. The research team confirmed two of the 14 ratios in the replication phase of their study. The two biomarkers found through this study could indicate increased cartilage breakdown. Read more...

1. 4. Pennsaid for Knee Osteoarthritis Is Available in United States
   Pennsaid, a topical NSAID solution that received FDA approval on November 5, 2009, became available by prescription in the United States in May 2010. Specifically, Pennsaid is a diclofenac sodium topical solution that was developed to treat pain and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. Read more...

1. 5. Sham Acupuncture and Real Acupuncture Equally Effective for Knee Osteoarthritis
   Sham acupuncture and real acupuncture are equally effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Not only that, the study appearing in the September 2010 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, suggests that the communication style of the acupuncturist affects treatment results. Read more...

1. 6. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Ineffective Against Osteoarthritis Pain
   Researchers concluded from a meta-analysis that compared to placebo -- glucosamine, chondroitin, and their combination do not effectively reduce osteoarthritis pain or have an impact on joint space narrowing. Researchers even went so far as to advise health authorities and insurers not to cover the cost of the two supplements, and not to recommend them to new patients. Read more...

1. 7. FDA Approves Cymbalta for Osteoarthritis and Chronic Low Back Pain
   The FDA approved Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) on November 4, 2010 for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain, including osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. You may have heard of Cymbalta before. The drug was first approved and used to treat major depressive disorder in 2004. Read more...

1. 8. Vitamin D May Not Help Knee Osteoarthritis After All
   Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D may reduce progression of knee osteoarthritis. But, according to a report presented at the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, supplementation with vitamin D does not seem to lessen symptoms or slow progression of knee osteoarthritis. Read more...

1. 9. Propoxyphene (Darvocet and Darvon) Taken Off the Market!
   On November 19, 2010, Darvon and Darvocet, the brand name versions of the pain medication propoxyphene, were withdrawn from the market in the United States. Their maker, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, agreed to comply with the FDA's request to withdraw the drugs. Generic manufacturers of drugs that contained propoxyphene also were asked to comply. Read more...

1. 10. Platelet Rich Plasma Is Promising for Knee Osteoarthritis
   The first U.S. study to call out Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a viable treatment option for managing knee osteoarthritis, appeared in the December 2010 issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. There were 14 study participants with primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis. Read more...