Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness leading to functional decline and relevant loss in quality of life. The management of knee OA is demanded to several specialists, including general practitioners, rheumatologists, orthopedics and finally geriatricians. However, the exact role of geriatricians in the management of knee OA was poorly studied, whilst the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is widely used for preventing negative consequences in older people.

Inclusion Criteria:Both gendersAge > 70 years; able to sign the informed consentDiagnosis of knee OA according to standardized criteria in Grade 1 (doubtful narrowing of joint space and possible osteophytic lipping), Grade 2 (definite osteophytes and possible narrowing of joint space) Kellgren and Lawrence system or Grade 3 (moderate multiple osteophytes, definite narrowing of joint space and some sclerosis and possible deformity of bone ends).Exclusion Criteria:Expected life expectancy less than 6 monthsPrevious orthopedic surgery, in the three months before the enrolment or a planned orthopedic intervention in the next 6 months.