Clinical and radiological features of knee osteoarthritis in patients attending the university hospital of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical and radiological features of knee osteoarthritis in Congolese outpatients attending the University Hospital of Kinshasa (UHK). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in the rheumatology unit of the UHK from January to August 2012. Patients were consecutively recruited. The diagnosis of Osteoarthritis (OA) was based on the criteria of the American College for Rheumatology. Demographic, clinical and x-rays data were collected. The X-rays severity was assessed according to Kellgren and Lawrence's method. RESULTS: 1049 patients attended the Rheumatology unit of the UHK during the study period. An accurate diagnosis was reported for 839 patients, of whom 376 (44.8%) suffered from OA. Knee OA was diagnosed in 118 patients (31.4% of all OA patients). 101 patients accepted to be included in the study, 78 women (77.2%) and 23 men (22.8%). Their average age was 58.9 ± 10 years. A body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25kg/m(2) was observed in 68 patients of whom 28 were obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m(2)). The main symptoms were a mechanical pain (100%), swelling (40.6%), crepitus (79.2%) and mobility reduction (X%). Knee deformities were observed in some patients. At baseline, radiological damages > stage 2 of Kellgren-Lawrence were found in 70 patients. CONCLUSION: Knee OA is a common disease among outpatients who attend the unit of Rheumatology of the UHK. Its clinical profile is the same as what is reported in the literature. Obesity and skeletal abnormalities are encountered in the majority of patients.