Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system are the most frequently reported causes of impairment affecting the elderly population. The present study was conducted to assess incidence, prevalence and etiological factors for primary osteoarthritis knee in 40 years and less age group.
Materials & Methods: 200 patients in the department of Orthopaedics in the Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Mau, Ataria, Sitapur, U.P, India of either sex coming to the OPD of the department with chief complaint of knee pain were the subjects of the study. Cases were assessed and subjected to AP view of both knee in standing position. Parameters such as height, weight, BMI were recorded. Cases were divided as per the Kellgren Lawrence Grading system
Results: Out of the total of 200 cases observed, 64 % were in the age group (35-40) years, 28 % were in the age group of (30-34) years, 8 % were in the age group (25-29)years. there were 44 males and 156 females. 74% of the cases had BMI > 24.9 kg/m², 26% of the cases had BMI between 18.9-24.9 kg/m², while none of the cases had BMI below 18.9 kg/m². Primary osteoarthritis knee was present in 112 and absent in 88. Out of the 112 cases of OA, 60 (45.4%) had predominantly right side knee involvement while 16(12.1%) cases had left knee involved. 56(42.4%) had bilateral knee involvement. Bilateral cases had similar KL grading on both sides. Grade 0 were only symptomatic, 20(10%) had KL grade I, 32(16%) had KL grade II, 72(36%) had KL grade III while 8(4%) cases had KL grade IV. Grade II and III combined constituted 52% cases.60 (53.5%) had predominantly sitting/ squatting/kneeling as household habit. 48 (42.8%) cases had predominantly standing as household habit while 4 (3.5%) cases had nothing specific as a predominant household habit. Occupation was housemaker in 40, skilled workers in 4, tailor in 16, trader in 4, farming in 8, housemaid in 30, teacher in 2, nurse in 4 and paramedics in 4 cases.
Conclusion: OA knee is a significant contributor to pain and disability and poses severe burden on economy, primary prevention of knee OA should become a major aim of health care.