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July 5, 2026Open Access

Prevalence and clinical-radiological features of hand osteoarthritis in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

VAVishakha AggarwalManipal Academy of Higher Education CECharu EapenManipal Academy of Higher Education APAshish John PrabhakarManipal Academy of Higher Education

Puntos clave

To determine the prevalence and clinical features of hand osteoarthritis in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and assess their functional characteristics.
Cross-sectional study among adults aged ≥ 40 with tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis (KL grades 1–4).
Evaluation of hand osteoarthritis using ACR criteria and hand radiographs, alongside symptom assessment via VAS pain, WOMAC, and DASH.
Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and χ² tests, with 108 participants. Better understanding of HOA's impact on KOA.
16.7% reported hand symptoms, with 9.3% prevalence of clinical, 13.0% radiographic, and 8.3% symptomatic HOA.
PIP and DIP joints were the most affected, and no MCP involvement was noted.
Knee KL grades 3–4 showed worse WOMAC, DASH, and AUSCAN scores, indicating functional impact, and no structural correlation between knee and hand OA.

Resumen

Abstract Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) frequently coexists with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), yet its clinical and radiographic burden in ageing adults with KOA remains under-recognised. To determine the prevalence and joint-specific distribution of clinical, radiographic, and symptomatic HOA in individuals with KOA; to describe associated functional characteristics; and to assess whether HOA severity is related to KOA severity. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults ≥ 40 years with tibiofemoral KOA (KL grades 1–4). HOA was evaluated using American College of Rheumatology criteria, hand radiographs (KL ≥ 2), and symptom-based definitions. Assessments included VAS pain, WOMAC, DASH, AUSCAN, grip strength, and pinch strength. Statistical analyses used Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and χ² tests (α = 0.05). Among 108 participants (mean age 62.1 ± 11.0 years; 71.3% female), 16.7% reported hand symptoms. The prevalence of clinical, radiographic, and symptomatic HOA was 9.3%, 13.0%, and 8.3%, respectively. PIP and DIP joints were most frequently affected, with no MCP involvement. Knee KL grades clustered at grades 3–4 and were associated with significantly worse WOMAC, DASH, and AUSCAN scores. Symptomatic HOA was associated with reduced grip strength, while pinch strength remained unaffected. No significant association was observed between knee and hand KL grades. HOA is a common but under-recognised comorbidity in individuals with KOA, demonstrating predominant PIP/DIP involvement and measurable functional impact. The absence of structural correlation between knee and hand OA highlights OA as a multisite, heterogeneous degenerative condition of ageing. Routine hand assessment in KOA clinics may support earlier identification and targeted management of HOA.

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