Study: Hand Osteoarthritis Widespread Among the Elderly

The prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is widespread among the elderly and frequently impairs hand function, according to a report in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders in the elderly but few studies have targeted the symptoms of hand osteoarthritis.

Researchers at Harvard and Brown Universities conducted a survey in 1992-1993 among an elderly population to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis and to assess its impact on grip strength and functional activities.

Participants in the study answered questions on joint symptoms and had their hands x-rayed. Functional activities were assessed using a questionnaire and grip strength and observed functional performance were evaluated.

Of the 1,041 participants, aged 71 to 100, the prevalence of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis was higher in women (26.2 percent) than in men (13.4 percent). Compared to those without symptomatic hand osteoarthritis, participants with the condition had ten percent reduced grip strength, reported more difficulty writing, handling, or fingering small objects and showed more difficulty carrying a ten-pound bundle.

"This study suggests that symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is a common disease among elders and frequently impairs hand function," concluded the researchers.

Other sources: American Journal of Epidemiology