Understanding the Observed Sex Discrepancy in the Prevalence of Osteoarthritis. Issue 9 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferre, Isabella M.; Roof, Mackenzie A.; Anoushiravani, Afshin A.; Wasterlain, Amy S.; Lajam, Claudette M.
• Is Part Of: JBJS reviews. Volume 7:Issue 9(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Bones -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Joints -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; General Surgery; Bone Diseases; Joint Diseases; Bones -- Surgery; Joints -- Surgery; Orthopedics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.47
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.18.00182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-9185

Abstract

Abstract : When stratified by sex and age, there is a greater age-adjusted prevalence of osteoarthritis in women (23.5%) as compared with men (18.1%). The discrepancy between males and females in the prevalence of osteoarthritis is likely multifactorial, being related to hormonal, metabolic, structural, and nutritional differences. Cartilage is lost at a higher rate in women after accounting for confounding variables such as age, body mass index, and bone volume at baseline. Estrogen replacement therapy diminishes the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces the prevalence of osteoarthritis in animal models and humans. Much work remains to understand the etiology of the sex gap seen in degenerative joint disease.