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Chopstick arthropathy: the Beijing Osteoarthritis Study
David J Hunter1, Yuqing Zhang, Michael C Nevitt
1Boston University Arthritis Center, BU School of Medicine, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. djhunter@bu.edu
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|May 18, 2004
Summary
Chopsticks use is linked to a higher prevalence of hand osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly Chinese individuals. This study found increased OA in thumb, PIP, and MCP joints associated with chopsticks use.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Mechanical stress is a suspected factor in hand osteoarthritis (OA) development.
- Chopsticks, common eating utensils in China, increase joint loading in the first three fingers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chopsticks use and the prevalence of hand OA in elderly Chinese individuals in Beijing.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey of individuals aged 60+ in Beijing.
- Assessment of chopsticks use, handedness, and pincer grip activities.
- Radiographic evaluation of hand joints using the Kellgren/Lawrence scale to define OA prevalence.
Main Results:
- Increased prevalence ratios for OA were observed in the thumb IP joint, and the second and third PIP and MCP joints in the chopsticks-using hand, particularly in women.
- These ratios were higher than in other hand joints less likely to be affected by chopsticks use.
- Chopsticks use accounted for a significant portion of the risk for thumb IP joint OA, especially in women.
Conclusions:
- Chopsticks use is associated with a higher prevalence of hand osteoarthritis.
- Specific joints affected include the IP joint of the thumb, and the second and third PIP and MCP joints.