Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Females with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis in a Vitamin D Deficient Population

To find prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal females with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) in India, where there is widespread Vitamin D deficiency (VDD).

75 postmenopausal women (PMW) fulfilling ACR criteria for Knee OA between 40 - 60 years of age, having OA grade 2 or more as per Kellgren Lawrence grade on anterior- posterior radiograph of the right knee were enrolled. 34 PMW of the same age with normal right knee radiograph were taken as controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumber spine (L1- L4), total hip and left forearm was performed using DXA in all patients and controls. The results were expressed in absolute values (g/cm2) and as per WHO criteria - Osteoporosis: T score < -2.5, Osteopenia: T score between -1 and -2.5. Vitamin D Level was done by ELISA.

Body mass index (BMI) of patients was significantly higher than controls (p 0.006). There was no difference in BMD between patients and controls at any site. Forty percent patients and 53% controls had osteopenia (p ns), while 34.6% patients and 41.1% controls had osteoporosis at any site (p ns). When this comparison was made at each site there was no difference between patients and controls.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in PMW with primary knee OA is similar to that in general population.