Combined effects of reproductive and hormone factors and obesity on the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis and knee pain among middle-aged or older Chinese women: a cross-sectional study

摘要

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one form of degenerative arthritis that results from the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone. The prevalence of KOA is considerably higher in women than in men; however, the reason for this difference has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of reproductive and hormone factors and obesity on KOA prevalence among Chinese women.