Prevalence and healthcare usage of knee pain in South Australia: a population‐based study

Abstract

Background: It is known that South Australia (SA) has the highest rate of knee arthroscopy use of any state in Australia; however, Level 1 evidence demonstrates that knee arthroscopy in patients with uncomplicated knee osteoarthritis confers no benefit. In SA, which patients are presenting with knee pain and what treatments are they receiving?Aims: To determine the prevalence, persistence and treatment modalities of knee pain in SA.Methods: This study analysed data from the North-West Adelaide Health Study (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015), a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of people aged 18 years and over (n = 4060), initially randomly selected from the north-west region of Adelaide, SA. It incorporated clinic assessments, self-completed questionnaires and telephone interviews to collect demographic, anthropometric and biochemical data over four main stages (1, 2, 3 and North-West 15 (NW15)). Data were linked to Medical Benefits Scheme data. Results:In stages 3 and NW15 of the North-West Adelaide Health Study, 30-35% of participants reported knee pain (n = 803, 452). Demographic variables associated with knee pain included older age and lower educational level, while risk factors included obesity and high waist circumference. In the 12 months preceding NW15, 33% of participants with knee pain/stiffness consulted a general practitioner for their knee pain, 10.2% an orthopaedic surgeon, and 12.6% a physiotherapist. Between 2011 and 2015, 3.0% the cohort underwent a knee arthroscopy, and 3.1% underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging.Conclusions: Knee pain affects large proportions of the SA population. Knee pain was persistent with underuse of non-pharmacological treatments and high use of specialist referral. These data support the need for a national strategy to manage osteoarthritis effectively.Funding: None.

The Effect of the Phytocomplex Electrophoresis on the Clinical Symptomatology and Quality of Life of Patients with the Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

“…The basis of osteoarthritis is the damage of all joint components, primarily of cartilage and subchondral bone, synovial membrane, ligaments, and periarticular muscle capsules [1]. The disease has a significant and widespread prevalence in the world [2], [3], [4]. It results from the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors, affects mostly people of the older age group, is characterized by a long course with the tendency to recrudescence and progression, deterioration in the quality of life of the patients, and disability [5], [6], [7], [8].…”

The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopically Guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis

“…1 Chronic knee pain and OA are associated with significant functional impairment and decreased quality of life. [2][3][4] Although surgical interventions exist, conservative treatment options are important for patients who are not surgical candidates, have failed previous surgical intervention, or who do not desire surgery. 2,5 The recommended nonoperative management for knee pain due to OA includes weight loss, which may reduce forces on the joint in overweight individuals and decrease the volume of circulating proinflammatory cytokines.…”

“…The lifetime risk of painful knee OA approaches 45% and is expected to rise as the population continues to age 1 . Chronic knee pain and OA are associated with significant functional impairment and decreased quality of life 2–4 . Although surgical interventions exist, conservative treatment options are important for patients who are not surgical candidates, have failed previous surgical intervention, or who do not desire surgery 2,5 …”