Change in self-reported outcomes and objective physical function over 7 years in middle-aged subjects with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
In the present work, we describe the clinical course and predictors of change in self-reported outcomes and objectively assessed physical function over time in middle-aged subjects at high risk of, or with knee osteoarthritis (OA).


METHODS
We examined 259 subjects (mean (SD) age 52.6 (10.4)) at mean 18 and 25 years after previous meniscectomy and 50 population-based age- and sex-matched reference subjects with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), one-leg hop for distance and number of knee-bendings in 30 s. Radiographic OA was defined as equivalent to Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or worse.


RESULTS
At first assessment, meniscectomised subjects reported worse pain, function and quality of life compared with the reference group (p<0.001). They also performed fewer knee-bendings per 30 s (27 vs 31, p = 0.02). The meniscectomised patients worsened over the 4-10-year observation time in all measured outcomes (p<0.001), and to a greater extent than the reference group in pain (-5, 95% CI -10 to 0) and one-leg hop (-11, 95% CI -18 to -3). Being a woman, or having radiographic knee OA, enhanced the worsening in self-reported and objectively assessed outcomes. Older age and a higher body mass index (BMI) influenced objectively assessed physical function, but not self-reported outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Worsening over time in knee-related pain and function is greater in meniscectomised subjects compared with reference subjects. Rehabilitative efforts may be warranted in middle-aged meniscectomised patients, especially in women and those who have developed radiographic knee OA, who are at greater risk of worsening.
Roos
E M
EM
Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden. eroos@health.sdu.dk
Bremander
A B
AB
Englund
M
M
Lohmander
L S
LS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index