Is There a Role for Ordering a DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) Scan for Patients with Symptomatic Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis?

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) and osteoporosis are two conditions that have a significant impact on society, have a great impact on quality of life, and can lead to functional impairment. However, the relationship between knee OA and osteoporosis is unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine if there is a link between symptomatic advanced knee osteoarthritis and low bone mineral density.

Methods: A total of 430 patients with symptomatic and advanced radiographic knee OA served as participants in this study. Plain radiographs were used to screen participants for osteoarthritis, and a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan was used to determine each participant's bone mineral density (BMD).

Results: The lumbar spine, whole femur, and femoral neck BMD levels were statistically higher in the early OA (Kelldren-Lawrence (KL) I and II) group compared with the advanced (III and IV) OA group. Higher BMD at the whole femur and femoral neck but not at the lumbar spine was observed when comparing patients with grades I, II, and III with patients with grade IV after adjustment for body mass index.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the degree of knee OA is correlated with a decline in BMD. These findings lend credence to the theory that the two conditions may be linked to one another. Our study concluded that patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis are at risk of developing osteoporosis. As a result, orthopedic doctors are required to screen for osteoporosis in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis to both prevent and treat osteoporosis at an earlier stage.