Knee osteoarthritis - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

Overview

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease affecting the synovial knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. It is one of the most common forms of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The condition arises due to the gradual breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones, leading to joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and inflammation.

The prevalence of knee OA increases with age, affecting about 3.8% of the global population, with higher rates in those over 60 years. In Australia, over 2.1 million people are estimated to have osteoarthritis, and knee OA accounts for a significant proportion of these cases. Women are more frequently affected than men, and the condition is more common in individuals who are overweight or obese.

Knee OA has a substantial impact on quality of life. It can impair walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily activities such as standing from a seated position, getting in and out of vehicles, and engaging in work or leisure. The resulting inactivity can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Risk factors