Quality of life for patient with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients complaining of knee osteoarthritis. This is a descriptive prospective study over a period of three months on knee osteoarthritis outpatients. Demographic and clinical data were collected. An evaluation by a specific quality of life instrument for osteoarthritis of the knee: “The scale of Osteoarthritis of the Lower Limbs and Quality of Life (OAKHQOL)” Version 2.3 was performed. This scale consists of 43 items and have five dimensions, “Physical Activities”, “Mental Health”, “Pain”, “Social Support”, “Social Activities”. OAKHQOL's score ranges from 0 to 100. Were included in the study 55 patients (sex ratio 0.6) with a mean age of 64.8 years; a BMI of 31.2; 43.6% of the patients had a KL stage of 3 and 4, 96.3% had tibio-femoral osteoarthritis and 50.9% patellofemoral osteoarthritis. More than 2 of 3 patients (69%) had bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The average OAKHQOL score was 55.8/100. The average of the different dimensions “Physical Activities”, “Mental Health”, “Pain”, “Social Support”, “Social Activities” was respectively 47.5/100; 39.8/100; 61.2/100; 56.1/100 and 74.2/100. The score of the dimension “Mental Health” was the most altered, proving that knee osteoarthritis has a negative impact on the psychology of patients. Osteoarthritis is the most common rheumatic disease. The knee joint is the preferred location. Osteoarthritis causes significant functional impairment with disability and handicap. In addition to its high socio-economic cost, it is a major public health problem because of its impact on quality of life. The OAKHQOL gives an idea about the specific aspects of quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients.