Proportion of Osteoarthritis Knee among Older Adults Presenting with Knee Complaints as Assessed Using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria at A Tertiary Care Hospital, Kollam

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders seen as age increases. Among older individuals it leads to persistent complaints, disability and health care consultations. Objective: To estimate the proportion of osteoarthritis knee using American College Of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria among older individuals presenting with history of persistent knee complaints in a tertiary care setting. Method: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the proportion of osteoarthritis knee among older patients presenting with persistent knee complaints in orthopedic OP of Government Medical College Kollam. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic profile. Assessment of osteoarthritis knee was done Using American College Of Rheumatology (ACR) Criteria. Results: The proportion of osteoarthritis in any knee among older adults was found to be 72%, with bilateral osteoarthritis knee seen in 38.5%. Among those affected, 84% were women. Knee pain, presence of crepitus and bony tenderness were the most common findings among those with OA knee. Conclusion: The proportion of OA knee was found to be higher among the study population. Older age group and females were more prone to osteoarthritis of knee. An estimate of the burden of OA in older patients will help policy makers in planning public health programs to improve their health condition and quality of life.