Prevention of lower limb osteoarthritis: Data from the Johns Hopkins Precursors Study

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the United States and other developed countries [1, 2]. The National Arthritis Data Workgroup, a committee convened by the Arthritis Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Arthritis Advisory Board and National Institutes of Health, reviewed data on the prevalence of osteoarthritis by joint group from the Health Examination Survey, conducted from 1960–1962, and the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-I), conducted from 1971–1975 [1]. The case definition of osteoarthritis was based on radiographic changes in the hands and feet in the Health Examination Survey and on radiographic changes in knees and hips in NHANES-I. The prevalence of osteoarthritis among adults aged 25–74 years in the United States was 32.5, 22.2 and 3.8 per 100 for the hands, feet and knees, respectively. Prevalence increased with increasing age through the 65–74 years age group in both sexes; among persons aged 55–74 years of age, corresponding prevalence ratios were 70 percent for the hands, 40 percent for the feet, 10 percent for the knees, and 3 percent for the hips.