Identifying Patients with Osteoarthritis at Risk of Sarcopenia using the SARC-F

Abstract

Background 
 Sarcopenia is an important modifiable risk factor in patients being considered for elective knee or hip replacement as it may be associated with a higher risk of post-operative joint re­placement complications. Our objectives are to determine the prevalence of patients with osteoarthritis at risk of sarcopenia by using the SARC-F tool, and whether risk of sarcopenia is associated with referral to an orthopaedic surgeon.
 Methods 
 We conducted a retrospective review of patients who were 60 years or older assessed at four Canadian musculoskeletal assessment centres. Patients completed the SARC-F as part of their assessment. Multivariable logistic regression analy­ses were conducted to determine association between risk of sarcopenia and the odds of referral to an orthopedic surgeon for surgical consultation.
 Results 
 3,697 patients were included and 67.8% (2,508/3,697) were at risk of sarcopenia. Prevalence was highest in those assessed for hip replacement at 72.3% (635/878). Patients at risk of sarcopenia were more likely to be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon (OR 1.299; SD 1.074-1.571).
 Conclusions 
 Patients with osteoarthritis assessed for joint replacement are at high risk of sarcopenia, particularly individuals undergo­ing potential hip replacement. Patients at risk of sarcopenia are more likely to be referred to orthopaedic surgery for surgical consultation.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia among Older Adults Aged ≥65 Years Admitted to Daycare Centers of Taiwan: Using AWGS 2019 Guidelines

“…In Europe and the USA, the prevalence of sarcopenia with different diagnostic criteria ranged from 4.6% to 43% in communities [6,7] and from 23% to 68% in clinical settings [8][9][10][11][12]. In Taiwan, the prevalence of sarcopenia was recently reported as ranging from 6.7% to 10% in communities [3,13,14] and reaching 50% in clinical settings [15].…”

Sarcopenia and hip osteoarthritis: possible role for targeted electrical and biophysical muscle stimulation applications

“…55 This applies especially to older adults who must undergo extensive hospital stays, those who have to use braces that could encourage muscle wasting, and older cases undergoing hip replacement surgery who have no signs of sarcopenia, but can yet develop this post surgery. 16…”

“…The ability to keep an older adult who is in severe pain or has health comprises mobile-a remedy advocated for averting the development and presence of sarcopenia 3 as well as its functional implications 11 may likewise be favorably impacted by the careful application of electrical stimulation devices, in the case where the older adult cannot exercise safely or effectively and could otherwise be subject to both excessive rates of osteoarthritis progression and its multiple disabling impacts. In addition, even though not mentioned to any degree in a recent osteoarthritis treatment review stressing the magnitude of the hip osteoarthritis burden, 14 the topic seems noteworthy because increasing data reveal sarcopenia, which may be detectable as well as modifiable, is associated with increased risk for complications after hip replacement surgery if untreated or ignored, 15,16 as well as having a low walking speed. 17 Many older adults who suffer from excess body mass and are at risk for osteoarthritis or are diagnosed as having this chronic condition may also incur a progressive sarcopenic state where muscle mass is impacted by fatty tissue rather than contractile tissue.…”

Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in an Academic Total Joint Arthroplasty Practice

“…The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity is not known in patients seeking TJA and may be particularly relevant due to an increasing obese population seeking arthritis care and age-related increases in adiposity and decreases in muscle mass [ 29 ]. A recent study using the SARC-F, an activity-based screening questionnaire, found over two-thirds of patients seeking care for osteoarthritis were at risk for having sarcopenia [ 38 ]. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among patients presenting to an academic TJA practice and report on body composition parameters within these groups.…”