Association of biomarkers with pre–radiographically defined and radiographically defined knee osteoarthritis in a population‐based study

Different cartilage degradation markers are associated with pre-ROA than are associated with ROA, indicating that their use as diagnostic markers depends on the stage of OA. Biomarker ratios contrasting cartilage degradation with cartilage synthesis are better able to differentiate OA stages compared with levels of the individual markers.