Clinical profile of patients with osteoarthritis at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Apart from the risk of morbidity and mortality from osteoarthritis, it has been noted that resources of the health care and the increased costs of the health care are consumed by the osteoarthritis. Studies are required on the clinical profile of patients with osteoarthritis which focus on different clinicoepidemiological characteristics, identifying risk groups in different settings. Objective: The present study was carried out to study the clinical profile of patients with osteoarthritis at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 1 year among 170 confirmed cases of osteoarthritis. Detailed history, thorough clinical examination, necessary investigations, and X-ray of the affected joint were taken in all cases. Data were analyzed using proportions. Chi-square test was applied. Results: Females were more than males. The most commonly affected age group was 70–80 years in 35.3% of the cases. A linear trend is seen as per the age group with the least prevalence of osteoarthritis in the age group of 40–49 years, i.e., 12.9%–35.3% in the age group of 70–80 years. Most commonly involved were the small joints in 52.4% of the cases, followed by the knee joint in 38.8% of the cases and other joints in 8.8% of the cases. The most common occupation affected was laborer in 41.8% of the cases, followed by civil construction workers in 22.9% of the cases, supervisors in 20% of the cases, and executives in 17.6% of the cases. Conclusion: Osteoarthritis was more common in Females than males. Osteoarthritis was more common in the elderly age group and laborers. Small joints were more commonly affected than the large joints