Osteoarthritis epidemiology and demographics
|
Osteoarthritis Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Osteoarthritis epidemiology and demographics On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Osteoarthritis epidemiology and demographics |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Osteoarthritis epidemiology and demographics |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Epidemiology and Demographics
The reported prevalence of osteoarthritis varies according to the method used to evaluate it. In most epidemiological studies it is commonly assessed by radiography. Marked osteoarthritic damage must be present, however, to detect characteristic changes with plain radiographs, and they are therefore not sensitive diagnostic tests. About 6% of adults age 3 30 have frequent knee pain and radiographic osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is caused by aberrant local mechanical factors acting within the context of systemic susceptibility. Systemic factors that increase the vulnerability of the joint to osteoarthritis include increasing age, female sex, and possibly nutritional deficiencies. While epidemiological studies have shown a major genetic component to risk that is probably polygenic, the genes responsible have not yet been identified.3 In people at risk, local mechanical factors such as misalignment, muscle weakness, or alterations in the structural integrity of the joint environment (such as meniscal damage) facilitate the progression of the disease. Loading can also be affected by obesity and joint injury, both of which can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis or experiencing its progression.