VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF TAMILNADU, INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder of multifactorial etiology characterized by loss of articular cartilage, hypertrophy of bone at the margins, subchondral sclerosis and range of biochemical and morphological alterations of the synovial membrane and joint capsule. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatological problem and is most frequent joint disease with prevalence of 22% to 39% in India.

Methodology: A cross sectional study, done in 3 private hospitals of Tamilnadu. Total 135 patients interviewed after taking informed written consent. Questions pertaining to their physical activities, symptoms experienced, postures etc. were asked.

Results: Maximum numbers of patients were from age group of 61 to 70 years (37.04%). It was followed by age group of 51 to 60 years (29.63%).There were 91 (67.41%) female patients in the study group. Only 12 (8.89%) patient were illiterate. Maximum numbers of patients have completed their secondary schooling. As there was female predominance, we found 52 (38.52%) patients were house wife. Where as 22 (16.30%) patients were laborer. BMI was an important correlates of OA as 79 (58.52%) patients were obese. It was observed that OA patients were using Squatting and Cross legged positions in day to day activities like Job work, Food Preparation, Sweeping and Moping.Most common symptom was Usage related pain (42.22%) and persistent pain (27.41%). Most common sign was crepitus and it was followed by bony enlargement.

Conclusion: Present study shows that age group of 61 to 70 years is the most common age group for OA of knee. Study also shows predominance of female gender. Overweight and Obesity are one of the most common risk factors. Patients using Indian style toilets, having squatting crossed leg position and bending position in day to day activities are more commonly affected. Most common symptom is Usage related pain followed by persistent pain. Most common sign is crepitus and it was followed by bony enlargement.