Osteoarthritis: Possible role of ethnic and cultural factors

ABSTRACT

This is a study on one-hundred consecutive patients, over 45 years of age, with symptomatic primary osteoarthritis, referred to the teaching clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Eighty-six females and 14 males were clinically examined and radiographic evaluation of the hips, knees, and hands was done. Predominant female [male/female ratio 16.1] and 94% knee involvement were the major findings of this study. Hip osteoarthritis was infrequent and observed in only 2% of cases. Fifty-nine per cent of the cases were housewives. Obesity was observed in 60 patients. Sitting in cross-legged or in kneeling positions was practiced in 93 patients, and seemed to contribute to high prevalence of knee osteoarthritis. Heberden's nodes were seen in 72 cases, with more in the older age group. Nodosity correlated with severity of knee osteoarthritis