Concerns important to elderly patients with hand osteoarthritis: A qualitative multi-ethnic Asian study

Abstract

s / Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 23 (2015) A82eA416 A335 Methods: Primary care patients with unilateral clinical and radiographic hip OA, participating in a randomized clinical trial, recorded at baseline pain intensity using an 11-box numeric rating scale, pain duration in months and the distribution of hip pain using a manikin displaying three separate views: front, back and lateral. Pain drawings were analysed using a template to determine pain locations and distribution of pain. Drawings were subsequently digitally processed to produce a composite image using colours to illustrate frequency. Results: A total of 108/109 (99%) patients completed pain drawings according to instructions. One drawing consisted of a single line but the identified areas were included in the analyses of pain location and the composite image. The mean age was 65 (SD 9), 44% were females, the right/left hip ratio was 66/43 respectively, the mean pain duration was 32 months (SD 36, range 4e300), and mean pain intensity was 5.4 (SD 2.0). A total of 77% had marked the area of the greater trochanter, 53% the groin, 42% the anterior/lateral thigh, 38% the buttock, 17% the knee and 15% the lower leg. Less than 20% of the patients reported pain in only one area, most commonly the greater trochanter area (16%). Between 1-2% of the patients reported pain only at the groin, buttock or anterior/lateral thigh. No patients marked pain exclusively in the areas of the knee, posterior thigh or lower leg. The composite images of the cumulated pain drawings in the three planes are illustrated in Figure 1. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study describing pain location and distribution in a cohort of patients presenting to primary care with hip pain and unilateral hip OA. In descending order, the most common pain locations are the greater trochanter, groin, thigh and buttock areas. No patients with hip OA reported pain exclusively in the knee or to the lower leg areas. When adult patients in primary care present with pain in the greater trochanter, groin, anterior lateral thigh or buttock areas, the clinician as a minimum should include a physical examination of the hip joint. 539 CONCERNS IMPORTANT TO ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS: A QUALITATIVE MULTI-ETHNIC ASIAN STUDY Y.Y. Leung y, W. Li z, J. Thumboo y. y Singapore Gen. Hosp., Singapore, Singapore; zDuke-NUS Graduate Med. Sch. Singapore, Singapore,