Heidari (2011) Knee osteoarthritis prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis and features - Part I.
This review article by Behzad Heidari (2011) provides a comprehensive overview of knee osteoarthritis (OA), focusing on its epidemiology, prevalence across different demographics, the imperfect correlation between knee pain and radiographic findings, and a wide array of risk factors—both non‑modifiable (age, sex, genetics, prior trauma) and modifiable (obesity, repetitive knee loading, occupational kneeling/squatting). The paper details pathogenic mechanisms, emphasizing the roles of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, leptin, sub‑chondral bone changes, meniscal pathology, and infrapatellar fat‑pad inflammation. Clinical diagnostic criteria (persistent pain, morning stiffness, functional limitation, crepitus, joint enlargement) are outlined, and the limitations of plain radiography versus the superior structural insight offered by MRI are discussed, with specific imaging hallmarks (osteophytes, joint‑space narrowing, bone‑marrow lesions, synovitis). Laboratory findings are generally non‑inflammatory, but elevated CRP and vitamin D deficiency are noted as potential markers. The article synthesizes data from multiple population studies, meta‑analyses, and imaging research, and includes tables summarising risk factors and imaging findings. It concludes that knee OA is a multifactorial, whole‑joint disease with significant public‑health impact, and that early identification of modifiable risks and advanced imaging can improve management.
Topics
Epidemiology and Growing Public‑Health Burden of Knee OA
Statistical overview of knee OA incidence, mortality risk, economic costs, and demographic trends (age, sex, obesity prevalence).