A meta-analysis of sex differences prevalence, incidence and severity of osteoarthritis

SummaryObjectiveTo resolve uncertainty regarding sex differences in osteoarthritis (OA) by performing a meta-analysis of sex differences in OA prevalence, incidence and severity.MethodsStandard search strategies for population-based studies of OA providing sex-specific data. Random effects meta-analysis to provide pooled male vs female risk and rate ratios for prevalent and incident OA, and standardized mean differences (SMD) for OA severity. Meta-regression was used to investigate sources of heterogeneity.ResultsMales had a significantly reduced risk for prevalent OA in the knee [Risk Ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.53–0.75] and hand [RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.90] but not for other sites. Males aged