Risk factors for medial and lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee: a cross-sectional analysis

Mohammad Imtiaz Sultan; M. Saiful Arif; Protyay Dey; Aparna Deb; Mohammed Taherul Islam; Ananya Bhattacharjee; M. Toufiqul Islam; M. Jaber Abedin; Mohammad Kafil Uddin Chowdhery; M. Salman Ibna Zaman; Mrinal Saha

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260593

Authors

Mohammad Imtiaz Sultan Department of Rheumatology, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Saiful Arif Department of Rheumatology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Protyay Dey Department of Nephrology, Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Aparna Deb Department of Medicine, Upazila Health Complex, Fatikchari, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Mohammed Taherul Islam Department of Medicine, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Ananya Bhattacharjee Department of Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital, Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Toufiqul Islam Department of Biochemistry, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh
M. Jaber Abedin Department of Medicine, 250 Bed General Hospital, Feni, Bangladesh
Mohammad Kafil Uddin Chowdhery Department of Rheumatology, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
M. Salman Ibna Zaman Department of Medicine, Kurmitola General Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Mrinal Saha Department of Medicine, Upazila Health Complex, Companigonj, Noakhali, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20260593

Keywords:

Knee alignment, Ahlback classification, Radiographic grading, Lateral compartment, Knee osteoarthritis, Medial compartment

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults worldwide. Compartment-specific involvement of the knee joint, particularly medial and lateral compartments, may be influenced by distinct biomechanical and demographic risk factors. Objective of the study was to assess the socio-demographic, radiographic, and biomechanical risk factors associated with medial and lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis among adult patients.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 96 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Socio-demographic data, clinical history, and radiographic findings were collected. Radiographic severity was assessed using Kellgren–Lawrence and Ahlback grading systems. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for compartment-specific osteoarthritis.

Results: The mean age of participants was 59.59±8 years, with 86.5% aged above 50 years. Medial compartment involvement showed higher frequencies of osteophyte formation (86.5%), joint space narrowing (66.7%), and advanced Kellgren–Lawrence grades. Male sex (adjusted OR=3.09; p=0.031) was an independent predictor of medial compartment OA, while male sex demonstrated an inverse association with lateral compartment OA (adjusted OR=0.38; p=0.038).

Conclusions: Medial compartment knee osteoarthritis was more prevalent and severe than lateral compartment involvement. Sex and knee alignment played significant roles in compartment-specific disease patterns. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.

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