The study focused on addressing longstanding disparities between x-ray images and severity of knee pain among Black patients.

Researchers are using new approaches to step outside of traditional X-ray scoring to create a new measure.

The report stated that addressing disparities in self reported pain will require considerations that extend beyond the physical differences in Black and white patients’ osteoarthritis to broader psychological and social factors, such as Black patients’ higher rates of stress caused by systemic racism, which can contribute to pain overall.

Drs. Nelson and Allen — who were not involved in the study — were quoted in the John’s Hopkins newsletter, “The Science Writer,” which is produced by graduate level students and is reviewed by Hopkins faculty.  You can access the published article via this link.