Role of radiography in predicting progression of osteoarthritis of the hip: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate which variables identify people at high risk of progression of osteoarthritis of the hip. DESIGN: Population based cohort study. SETTING: Ommoord district in Rotterdam, Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: 1904 men and women aged 55 years and older from the Rotterdam study were selected on the basis of the presence of osteoarthritic signs on radiography at baseline, as defined by a Kellgren and Lawrence score > or = grade 1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiological progression of osteoarthritis of the hip, defined as a decrease of joint space width (> or = 1.0 mm) at follow-up or the presence of a total hip replacement. METHODS: Potential determinants of progression of hip osteoarthritis were collected at baseline. x Ray films of the hip at baseline and follow-up (mean follow-up time 6.6 years) were evaluate