Epidemiologic study of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Abstract

In view of possible involvement of susceptible kind, degree or mode of living in the onset of osteoarthritis of the knee, we examined by questioning 104 patients with primary osteoarthritis of the knee for their occupations, modes of living, etc. before the onset. The results revealed obesity as the most responsible factor, but not the causal predominance of hard labors. Acute onset and night pain have been experienced by 30% and more than 50% of the patients, respectively. These results suggested progressive narrowing of articular fissures, on one hand and bone necrosis preceeded by sudden bone destruction leading to rapid deformity, on the other. assesment of osteo-arthrosis,