Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112072

Karen Briggs, MPH, MBA and J. Richard Steadman, MD. Department of Clinical Research, Steadman Hawkins Research Foundation, 181 W. Meadow Dr., Suite 1000, Vail, CO 81657, 970-479-5783, karen.briggs@shsmf.org

The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of decreased function, as determined by Lysholm score(0-100), and patient activity level, as determined by Tegner Activity Level(1-10), in patients presenting for evaluation of osteoarthritis of the knee. A cohort of patients (n=569, average age = 57 (range 29 to 82); 40% females, 60% males), who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, was studied. Prior surgeries were reported in 58% of patients. Knees operated on 2 or more times had lower Tegner activity scores(p<0.05). Tegner activity level and Lysholm were associated (p<0.05) with age and gender. There was a difference (p<0.05) in Lysholm for the presence of decreased knee range of motion. Tegner activity level was associated with decreased knee range of motion(p<0.05). Patients who reported knee stiffness had lower Lysholm scores. (p<0.05) Patients reporting severe stiffness had an average Lysholm score of 24 points less than those with no stiffness. Multivariate analysis identified joint space narrowing and patient reported stiffness as independent predictors of Lysholm(r2=0.3; p<0.05). Independent predictors of Tegner activity level were age, gender, patient reported stiffness, decreased knee range of motion, and Lysholm score(r2=0.3; p<0.05). Patient reported stiffness and decreased range of motion deficit were found to be associated with both decreased activity level and decreased function. These factors may be important in developing early treatment programs aimed at improving function and maintaining activity level in patients with osteoarthritis.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify factors related to decreased funciton in patients with osteoarthritis
• Identify factors related to decreased activity level in patients with osteoarthritis
• Develop a plan to incorporate these factors in early treatment to decease impact of osteoarthritis.

Keywords: Arthritis, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.