Primary osteoarthritis of the knee joint and osteoporosis in postmenopausal females in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Context: The relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in post-menopausal females is controversial. Western literature shows inverse relationship but Indian population is different. Aims: To investigate the association of primary osteoporosis with osteoarthritis of knee joint amongst post-menopausal females. Settings and Design: At tertiary care hospital A Cross sectional study for 75 post menopausal patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint visiting the orthopaedic OPD with chief complaints of pain and stiffness of knee joint were screened for grade of osteoarthritis on x-ray and BMD. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 75 postmenopausal females with primary osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Grading was done according to the Kellgren and Lawrence system based on x-ray. The comparison of mean values of BMD among early-stage group(K/L group 1,2) and advanced group(K/L group 3,4) was performed. Statistical analysis used: The comparison of mean values of BMD among both groups were performed using one-way of analysis of variance(one way ANOVA). SPSS to 20.0 statistical software package was used. Results: The difference in BMD T score value in both groups was not significant. There were 16/38 patients with osteoporosis in early arthritis group (42.1%) whereas 15/37 patients in late arthritis group (40.54%). Conclusions: Osteoarthritis of knee joint is not protective against osteoporosis. There is no significant difference in bone mineral densitometry measurement between early and late osteoarthritis of knee joint.