PARIS, Feb 1: Swiss doctors said on Sunday they had devised a smart microscopic technique that could fast-track diagnosis of people with osteoarthritis.

Their experimental ‘atomic force microscope’ is designed to be minimally invasive and can give patients early warning of problems ahead, according to their study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Osteoarthritis is caused by an erosion of the cartilage, the ‘cushion’ between the joints, and by a decrease in the fluid that lubricates the joints.

The technique, devised by a team led by Martin Stolz of the University of Basel, entails tapping the surface of a joint with a tiny tip that responds to stiffness. There is no treatment at present to stop or slow cartilage loss.

But the ‘atomic force’ technique could give up to six months’ warning to someone prone to the disease, enabling the patient to take up measures such as weight loss or exercise to help conserve the tissue.—AFP