Correlation of Hypertension with the severity of Osteoarthritis of Knee.

Abstract

Objective : To analyze the correlation between hypertension with the clinico-radiological profile and severity of OA knee. Method: In this cohort study, total 120 cases of osteoarthritis knee patients of either sex or age > 40 years were enrolled. The entire study was conducted in department of Orthopedic Surgery, King Georges Medical University. Cases were selected as per the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. A detailed history was taken and thorough examination of the affected joints and related regions was done. For the clinical severity, VAS and Lequesne Index was used. To assess the radiological severity of the disease, K.L grading was used and X-ray bilateral knee was done to see the radiological changes of the disease. Blood pressure was measured in both the arms via auscultatory method following American Heart Association guidelines.The Blood Pressure was measured thrice in both the arms and the average was calculated. If the average was more than 140/90 mm Hg in any side; then the subject was labeled as hypertensive. Result : The correlation of hypertension with the clinical and radiological severity of OA knee was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion : The significant correlation of hypertension with osteoarthritis will not only bridge the information gap, but will also modify our approach towards the management of hypertension, heart diseases and osteoarthritis. We may be able to find out the new possible risk factors of these diseases hence it should be further investigated.