Dr. Jason Pirozzolo is at the forefront of medical innovation, helping patients understand their genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis (OA) through his proprietary and cutting-edge Polygenic Risk Score (PRS). Unlike traditional diagnostics, PRS does not determine whether you currently have OA, but it provides insight into how likely you are to develop it based on your unique DNA profile.
So, what does this mean for you? Imagine knowing ahead of time whether you are at an increased risk for joint degeneration, allowing you to take proactive measures before the damage becomes irreversible. When will I need a joint replacement? How long should I be getting corticosteroid injections? How fast will my arthritis progress before it’s “bone on bone”? These are all critical questions that a personalized genetic risk assessment can help answer.
How PRS Works for Osteoarthritis Risk Assessment
The science behind Polygenic Risk Scores is complex yet fascinating. Our DNA contains hundreds of genetic variants that can contribute—either positively or negatively—to the likelihood of developing OA. Rather than focusing on a single gene mutation, PRS aggregates these genetic markers, assigning a numerical score that reflects your predisposition to developing arthritis.
“Traditional medicine has always treated osteoarthritis as an age-related wear-and-tear disease,” says Dr. Jason Pirozzolo, “but we now understand that genetics play a major role in an individual’s likelihood of developing severe joint degeneration.”
Incorporating Other Risk Factors
But genetics is only one piece of the puzzle. Your age, sex, BMI, smoking history, physical activity level, and even your history of joint injuries all play significant roles in your overall OA risk. Therefore, PRS is most effective when combined with these clinical factors to provide a comprehensive risk assessment.
- Age: Naturally, OA risk increases as you get older, but some people develop severe symptoms earlier due to genetic predisposition.
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop OA, possibly due to hormonal influences and joint structure differences.
- BMI: Excess weight puts added pressure on joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown.
- Smoking history: Smoking is linked to increased inflammation, which may worsen joint degeneration.
- Activity level: While regular exercise is beneficial, high-impact activities can contribute to early OA in predisposed individuals.
By integrating PRS with these factors, Dr. Jason Pirozzolo and his team can provide a personalized risk profile, allowing patients to adopt targeted lifestyle modifications to slow OA progression.
Not a Diagnosis, but a Roadmap to Prevention
It’s crucial to understand that a high PRS does not mean you will definitely develop osteoarthritis, just as a low PRS does not guarantee immunity. Instead, PRS acts as a predictive tool, helping individuals make informed choices about their joint health.
“If you knew you had a higher risk of developing severe arthritis by age 50, wouldn’t you want to take preventive action in your 30s and 40s?” asks Dr. Jason Pirozzolo. “That’s the power of genetic insights—they give you time to change the course of your health.”
What Can You Do if You Have a High PRS for OA?
If your Polygenic Risk Score suggests a heightened risk, there are several proactive steps you can take:
- Weight management: Losing even 10% of body weight can significantly reduce joint stress.
- Low-impact exercise: Swimming, cycling, and strength training help maintain joint mobility.
- Dietary changes: Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory foods can help protect cartilage.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening surrounding muscles can alleviate joint strain.
- Early medical intervention: Regular screenings and early intervention strategies, such as hyaluronic acid injections or PRP therapy, may help slow OA progression.
The Future of Osteoarthritis Risk Assessment
With advancements in genetic testing and precision medicine, individuals now have the ability to take control of their joint health before symptoms even begin. “This is not just about predicting arthritis,” says Dr. Jason Pirozzolo, “it’s about empowering patients to make informed, proactive decisions that can prevent unnecessary pain and disability.”
Interested in learning more? Follow Dr. Jason Pirozzolo for ongoing insights into genetic medicine, orthopedic innovations, and proactive health strategies. You will also find more extensive patient information that will help keep you healthy and informed.
