Risk factors associated with degenerative glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Glenohumeral (GH) osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint disease, ranking third after hip and knee osteoarthritis.
• Identifying risk factors for GH osteoarthritis is crucial for understanding disease etiology and developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify significant risk factors associated with the development of glenohumeral (GH) osteoarthritis.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed data from the Dallas Shoulder cohort, comprising individuals aged 40-85.
• Cases with confirmed GH osteoarthritis (via X-ray) and controls without the condition were compared.
• Univariate, LASSO, and multivariate analyses were employed to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Increasing age and higher body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with GH osteoarthritis.
• Specific risk factors identified include age, BMI, prior shoulder injury, shoulder surgery history, nocturnal shoulder pain, and hypertension.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed age and BMI as primary risk factors, alongside previous shoulder trauma.

Conclusions:

• Age and BMI are confirmed as significant risk factors for GH osteoarthritis.
• The association between BMI and GH OA, despite the shoulder not being a weight-bearing joint, suggests a potential molecular or systemic link requiring further investigation.