Episode 54: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis: retrospective database analysis

Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, with limited disease modifying therapies—yet glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists may reduce progression to total knee arthroplasty. In this episode of RAPM Focus, Executive Editor Anahi Perlas, MD, FRCPC, explores whether or not GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce the risk of arthroplasty for total knee osteoarthritis with Ryan D’Souza, MD, and Jay Karri, MD. Their conversation follows the April 2026 publication of their original research paper, “Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis: retrospective database analysis.” Dr. Anahi Perlas is a professor of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the Director of Research and the Director of the Perioperative POCUS Fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Perlas is an Executive Editor of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and a founding and current member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Editorial Board on point-of-care ultrasound, overseeing the ASA Certificate of Completion in POCUS.  Dr. Ryan D'Souza is a pain physician and professor of anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic. His major focus lies in neuromodulation, guideline development, and evidence appraisal. He serves on the Board of Directors of NANS and has authored over 200 publications. He is a section editor for Neuromodulation journal and Journal of Pain Research, and also serves on the editorial board for RAPM.  Dr. Jay Karri is an assistant professor of physiatry and pain medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. His clinical and research interests include musculoskeletal ultrasound, neuromodulation, and technical considerations in pain interventions. He serves on the ASRA Pain Medicine Guidelines and Regulatory Advocacy Committee, and is an Associate Editor at the Regional Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine journal.  *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.  Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, LinkedIn @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.