Is There a Correlation Between the Clinical, Radiological and Ultra-Sonographic Findings of Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Abstract

Objectives: The association between the severity of knee pain and the clinical and radiological findings can help to assess the severity of knee osteoarthritis. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between knee pain severity and clinical, radiological and ultra-sonographic findings in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: We recruited 52 patients with primary osteoarthritis. Physical examination and ultrasonography were done. Plain radiography was done within 3 weeks of clinical examination. Results: The average age of participants was 59.27 ± 9.85 years. Using multivariable linear regression modeling, pain severity had no significant association with any of the covariates including epidemiological, clinical and ultrasound findings. The severity of clinical symptoms and stiffness was associated with the ultrasound finding of Baker’s cyst as well as with tenderness of internal compartment and suprapatellar effusion. In addition, the level of daily function remained to be associated with baker’s cyst in ultrasound assessment as well as with tenderness of internal compartment. Conclusion: Our study showed no association between ultra-sonographic, clinical or radiological findings and the level of knee pain; however, knee function, disability, and the level of quality of life are associated with some clinical and ultrasound evidences of knee osteoarthritis.