Relationship between atherosclerosis and knee osteoarthritis as graded by radiography and ultrasonography in females

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between atherosclerosis and knee osteoarthritis grade in women as assessed by both ultrasonography and radiography. [Subjects and Methods] Seventy women diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were classified into two groups according to cartilage grading/radiographic grading. Patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1 and 2 were included in group 1, while those with Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4 were included in group 2. Patients with cartilage grades 1–3 were included in group 1, while those with cartilage grades 4–6 were included in group 2. Patients were clinically assessed using a visual analog scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index. Radiographic osteoarthritis grade was scored using the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system. Using ultrasonography, symptomatic knees were graded and evaluated for distal femoral cartilage thickness. Carotid intima-media thickness and serum lipid levels were measured to assess atherosclerosis. [Results] Carotid intima-media thickness measurements were higher in group 2 than in group 1 as determined by the Kellgren-Lawrence and cartilage grading systems. Carotid intima-media thickness measurements were positively correlated with both the ultrasonographic cartilage grade and Kellgren-Lawrence. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that osteoarthritis as assessed by ultrasonography was successful and comparable to assessment with radiography. We showed a correlation between atherosclerosis and ultrasonographic knee osteoarthritis grade.