The aim was to investigate the prevalence of elbow osteoarthritis (OA) in populations aged 40 years or older and to clarify the risk factors and their relationship with elbow function.
The respondents were 354 residents of a single village who underwent general medical examinations in April 2016. The mean age was 67.2 years (range, 40-93 years), and 222 respondents (62.7%) were women. Anteroposterior radiographs of the bilateral elbow joints were obtained, and the subjects were classified into 4 groups (non-OA, mild OA, moderate OA, and severe OA) according to the modified Kellgren-Lawrence scale. With respect to risk factors for elbow OA, a logistic regression analysis was performed.
Elbow OA was detected in 55.0% of the elbows. The prevalence of symptomatic elbow OA was 22.6%, and no correlation between elbow OA and daily function was observed. The risk of elbow OA increased according to age, with odds ratios for those in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or older against those in their 40s of 12.99, 11.26, 14.45, and 26.85, respectively. In addition, male sex and a history of elbow trauma were significant risk factors, with odds ratios of 2.57 and 9.26, respectively.
The prevalence of elbow OA was 55.0%; the prevalence of symptomatic elbow OA was 22.6%; and the risk factors for elbow OA were older age, male sex, and a history of elbow trauma.