Prevalence of radiographic primary hip and knee osteoarthritis in a representative Central European population.

The aim of our study was to determine the radiographic prevalence of hip and knee osteoarthritis and compare our results with prevalence data reported by other studies, as no similar study had been performed in Hungary previously. Our aim was also to investigate the usefulness of the different radiological scoring methods for the definition of osteoarthritis. Patients who earlier reported complaints and gave written consent were asked to participate in a clinical follow-up. In the 682 participants Harris hip score, visual analogue pain scale values for both joints, Knee Society score and knee functional score were calculated. Weight-bearing radiographs were taken of both joints. Kellgren-Lawrence radiological evaluation was performed and osteoarthritis prevalence was defined. Hip osteoarthritis was found in 109 cases (16.49%), and knee osteoarthritis was found in 111 cases (16.54%). Harris hip score, Knee Society score, functional score and visual analogue scale values were significantly worse in people with radiographically proven osteoarthritis compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Significantly higher osteoarthritis prevalence of both joints was found in those with increased body mass index values. Age also plays a significant role in the development of both hip and knee osteoarthritis. No significant difference was observed between male and female participants regarding osteoarthritis prevalence. The Kellgren-Lawrence score with a cut-off value of 2 or more is a useful evaluation method for the detection of osteoarthritis prevalence in epidemiological studies; according to our observations, in clinical practice a cut-off value of three or more is more relevant.

[Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in Hungary. Study conducted in a representative Hungarian population]. / Térdízületi arthrosis hazai elofordulása a dél-dunántúli betegpopuláción történt felmérés alapján.

UNLABELLED: In an earlier publication, authors have already reported the result of a survey conducted in a representative Hungarian population, where joint complaint prevalence data were presented, including those of the knee joint. AIMS: Following the above mentioned publication, in the current study authors aimed to determine the clinical and radiological prevalence of knee osteoarthritis using internationally accepted scoring methods for evaluation. METHODS: 2422 patients with complaints and consent were invited for a clinical follow up. 682 people (244 male; 438 female) came to participate in the study. After recording case history, and anthropometric parameters, a thorough musculoskeletal examination was carried out. Using these data Knee Society Score, Functional score and visual analogue pain scale values were calculated. On the AP and lateral view X-rays joint space width was measured, Kellgren-Lawrence radiological evaluation was performed and osteoarthritis prevalence was defined. RESULTS: radiological evaluation was possible in 676 cases. Knee osteoarthritis was found in 91 people (13.3%), severe osteoarthritis in 20 people (2.9%). Functional parameters of radiologically negative and positive cases were compared. Knee Society Score, functional score and visual analogue scale values were significantly worse in people with defined osteoarthritis (p<0.05). Regarding Body Mass Index, significantly higher values were found in those with osteoarthritis as well. CONCLUSIONS: Authors presented radiographic knee osteoarthritis prevalence data for the first time in the Hungarian literature. According to their observations, age and higher BMI values play a significant role in the development of knee osteoarthritis. After discussing the details of the survey, an overview and comparison with data of international literature is given.

Prevalence of low back pain and lumbar spine degenerative disorders. Questionnaire survey and clinical-radiological analysis of a representative Hungarian population.

A cross-sectional epidemiological study via personal interviews was performed regarding low back pain and its related clinical aspects in a Hungarian sample of 10,000 people. Joining the international campaign of the "Bone and Joint Decade", our aim was to give data on low back pain prevalence and to explore the underlying possible clinical conditions in a Central European adult and adolescent population. Ten thousand people aged 14-65, selected randomly by the Hungarian central office of statistics from three counties of the south-western Hungarian region, were surveyed using a special questionnaire focusing on low back pain and other degenerative spinal symptoms. People with low back pain complaints and written consent were asked to participate in a further clinical investigation, where radiological and clinical assessment was performed. A total of 4,389 persons (44.1%) reported low back pain in the last month at the time of the survey. Work absenteeism due to low back pain affected 2,140 persons (21.5%). A total of 292 people (2.9%) had already undergone spinal surgery. Upon request 682 people came for a clinical follow-up, where thorough physical examination and radiological analysis was performed and results were statistically interpreted. The Oswestry disability index (ODI) in the examined group of patients averaged 35.1%; radiological degenerative signs were observed in 392/682 (57.5%). Individuals with signs of radiological degeneration had a statistically significant higher ODI value, age, and a higher, yet not significantly increased BMI value than radiographically negative patients (p < 0.05). Co-existence of hip and knee osteoarthritis was also investigated. Higher osteoarthritis prevalence was found in individuals with radiographic signs of spinal degeneration. Details of the survey and clinical investigations are discussed.