The Relationship Between Osteoarthritis Stage and Pain, Functional Level and Quality of Life in Individuals with Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by clinical symptoms starting in the patellofemoral joint and loss of function in the lower limb. However, limited information is available regarding the stage of PFOA and pain, functional level and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PFOA stage and pain, functional level and quality of life.

Method: A total of 20 patients diagnosed with PFOA (median age= 55.2±4.92 years, median BMI=26.99±3.09 kg/m2) were included in the study. Visual analog scale was used assess pain severity. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire was used to determine the functional level and The Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of life.

Results: A strong positive correlation was found between OA stage and pain (r = 0.922, p = 0.001). A strong negative correlation was found between OA stage and the functional level total KOOS score (r = -0.685, p = 0.001). Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was identified between OA stage and SF-12 physical function (r = -0.556, p = 0.011).

Discussion: This study showed that pain, functional level and quality of life were associated with OA stage in PFOA. As the OA stage progressed, pain intensity increased, functional level and quality of life deteriorated.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, pain, function, quality of life.