Title : Quality of life and disability in patients with Advanced Knee OsteoArthritis (OA) a single-center study
Abstract:
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) significantly affects quality of life (QoL), particularly in patients with advanced knee OA, which is a leading cause of joint-related disability. Pain, limited mobility, and associated conditions like obesity amplify the disease's physical, psychological, and social consequences. This study aims to evaluate QoL in patients with advanced knee OA and examine their levels of functioning, disability, and health.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 62 patients (median age 61 years; 67.7% female) diagnosed with advanced knee OA at King Fahad Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using validated Arabic versions of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), SF-36, EQ-5D-5L, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Descriptive statistics described demographics and clinical features. Due to the small sample size and non-normal distribution, non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlations) were used for analysis.
Result: Patients were generally obese (mean BMI 32.39 kg/m²), with 46.8% presenting bilateral knee OA. Major symptoms included walking difficulties (32.3%) and severe knee pain (50%). SF-36 scores revealed reduced physical function (mean 49.35/100) and role limitations (mean 51.21/100). Age and comorbidities negatively influenced social functioning, pain, and general health (p < 0.05), while higher BMI correlated with poorer knee function (ρ = 0.271, p = 0.033). Joint replacement surgery did not significantly improve QoL scores (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Pain, obesity, and other health issues can contribute to advanced knee osteoarthritis. The study highlights the need of tailored, patient-centered therapy and encourages additional large-scale research to improve treatment options.
