[Knee dysfunction in the general population and associated factors]

Knee joint dysfunction is present in 80% of people over 50 years of age, and in women there is a 1.5 times higher risk compared to men. Another important risk factor is obesity, which leads to a 3 times increase in the risk of suffering functional limitations in the joint. The aim of this study was to determine knee joint dysfunction and the associated factors.

An analytical and descriptive study was conducted on 218 individuals older than 50 years of age in a primary care centre. A physical examination was performed on each patient, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire was applied to them all. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between age, gender, body mass index, and knee function. ANOVA was used to compare the means of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores and body mass index measurements. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean age was 64.27 years (SD 10.43). An OR of 4.50 was obtained for having a disability in people over 65 years of age, 2.90 in obese people, and 2.02 in women. The mean scores in the 3 domains of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index were higher as the body mass index increased.

Women have greater disability than men, becoming more evident in older ages, and other risk of joint dysfunction increases up 3 times in obese patients.