PREVALENCE OF SONOGRAPHICALLY ASSESSED KNEE JOINT CHANGES IN OLDER DIABETIC AND HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1048Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Knee joint, Ultrasound, Osteophytes, Cartilage thinningAbstract
The cohabitation of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is widely recognized as a key factor to musculoskeletal deterioration, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knee. Metabolic dysfunctions have been linked with effects on joint structures through vascular and inflammatory pathways, leading to degenerative processes which may affect mobility in elderly patients. The role of ultrasonography in early detection of such conditions is important and effective.
The current study was designed to estimate the presence of abnormalities of the knee joints identified by ultrasound in the elderly population with diabetes and hypertension and to investigate their link with metabolic dysfunction.
A cross-sectional research design was utilized, recruiting 100 patients older than 40 years with diabetes and hypertension. Clinical data, such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and HbA1c levels were collected from several clinical sites, namely CMH Hospital, Sargodha, private clinic in Sargodha and selected clinics in Islamabad and Lahore. The affected knee joint was evaluated using a high-frequency linear probe (7-14 MHz). Evaluated parameters included joint effusion, osteophyte development, tendon state, cartilage thickness, and stiffness. Analyses of results were conducted using SPSS. Statistical tests used included the Chi-square test.
High rates of knee joint abnormalities were revealed within the current study. Joint stiffness was seen in 82% of patients, effusion in 66%, osteophyte development in 62%, and cartilage thinning in 62%. There were some abnormal changes in the tendon structure. Tendinosis occurred in 40% of cases. Increased prevalence of joint abnormalities was noticed among those with hypertension and increased HbA1c.
It can be concluded that abnormalities of the knee joint identified by ultrasound are rather common among patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. It seems like there is a connection between joint changes and metabolic condition. Ultrasound imaging may become a useful diagnostic approach for earlier identification of problems, and appropriate treatment of metabolic conditions might slow down this process.
