Study: Men Have More Knee Cartilgage Than Women

Men have substantially more knee cartilage than women, according to a study conducted by a team of Australian researchers.

As reported in the November issue of Rheumatology, the study involved 372 males and females between the ages of 26 and 61. The researchers measured the volume of cartilage as well as the size of the bones in the participants' knees using magnetic resonance imaging.

The researchers found that males had 33-42 percent higher cartilage volume than females. After adjustments were made for height, weight and bone size, males still had 8 to 18 percent more cartilage, a significant difference.

The amount of physical activity that the participants engaged in did not affect the amount of cartilage in their knees. The sex differences in cartilage volume were greater in those over 50 years old than those younger.

"We assume that the higher cartilage volume in males is one explanation for the lower incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee in males," said researcher Graeme Jones, an associated professor at Menzies Centre for Population Health Research in Hobart, Australia.

However, Jones noted that the data generated from the study did not allow for an explanation of the cartilage differences in males and females.

"It is possible that genes are expressed differently in males versus females, but perhaps a better measure of physical activity will yield more light," said Jones.

The researchers also said further study involving greater numbers of participants is needed to confirm their findings.

Other sources: Rheumatology 2003; 42: 1317-1323