Pattern of Osteoarthritis Seen In Physiotherapy Facilities in Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability in the elderly. Studies on its prevalence and pattern in Nigeria are few. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the pattern of OA seen in 10 physiotherapy facilities in Ibadan and Lagos. The University of Ibadan/University College Hospital Ethical Review Committee approved the study. Information on age, gender, joint affectation, impairments, disabilities and co-morbidities were recorded from the hospital files of patients with OA in each hospital. The proportion of all new patients accounted for by OA during the 3 year study period was computed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.The patients with OA, aged 56.8+ 12.6 years accounted for 8.9% of all (11574) new patients seen in the clinics during the study period. The female to male ratio was 3.5:1. The knee was the most frequently affected joint. Common impairments were pain (100%), reduced range of motion (75%), crepitus (64%) and joint swelling (30%). Common functional limitations were difficulty in walking long distances (42%), squatting (22.5%), standing up from sitting (18%) and climbing stairs (9%). Low back pain (10.4%) and obesity (8.6%) were the two most commonly documented comorbid conditions. It was concluded that OA is a common condition seen in the Physiotherapy facilities in Lagos and Ibadan, accounting for about 9% of new patients; it is more common in females than males (3.5:1) and the knee joint is the most frequently affected.