Risk factors for Osteoarthritis
• Age: strongest risk factor associated with OA.
• Heredity: family risk studies estimate a 50% to 65% heritable component in primary OA. There are multiple candidate genes.
• Sex: prevalence of OA increases in women after the age of 50 years.
• Obesity (see Question 14).
• Previous joint trauma: meniscal and ligament injuries as well as fractures can lead to altered joint biomechanics and articular incongruence leading to OA.
• Abnormal joint mechanics (i.e., excessive knee varus or valgus; hip dysplasia).
• Smoking (may contribute to degenerative disc disease).
• Certain occupations/sports causing repetitive high impact loading: pneumatic drill operators (shoulders, elbows), ballet dancers (ankles), boxers (MCP joints), basketball players (knees, ankles), and others.
