Knee pain and radiographic osteoarthritis interact in the prediction of levels of self-reported disability

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine predictors of disability depending on whether joint deformity and pain reporting exist independently or concurrently. METHODS: Subjects were 154 volunteers for an osteoarthritis screening examination. Eligible subjects completed questionnaires for physical function, pain, and depressive symptoms; underwent evoked pain testing for tenderness assessment; and had anteroposterior and lateral radiographs taken of both knees. Two blinded rheumatologists scored the images using Kellgren-Lawrence criteria to determine presence of deformity. RESULTS: Subjects were divided into 3 subgroups based on radiographic evidence of deformity and self-reported pain. Disability was greate..