Features of dystrophic knee joint changes in women of different ages according to bone mineral density and X-ray signs of osteopenia and osteoporosis

Objective. To study the features of X-ray manifestations of knee joint arthrosis in women of different ages, depending on bone mineral density and severity of X-ray morphometric signs of osteopenia and osteoporosis of the spinal. Materials and methods. The study involved 82 women aged 50 to 77 years, divided into three unequal age groups (50–59, 60–69, 70 years and older); to assess the X-ray morphometric signs of osteopenia and osteoporosis, standard radiographs of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine in two projections were used; manifestations of gonarthrosis were assessed by the results of radiography of the knee joints in a direct projection — the index of the knee joint was calculated, and a semi-quantitative assessment of characteristic x-ray changes was made; Quantitative X-ray computed tomography on a Somatom CT (Siemens) of 2, 3, and 4 lumbar vertebrae was used as an absorptiometry technique. Results. As expected, a decrease in the index of the knee joint index with increasing age was observed. In the oldest age group (over 70 years), with minimal bone mineral density and the most pronounced X-ray manifestations of osteopenia and osteoporosis of the spinal column, there was no significant increase in the prevalence of manifestations of arthrosis of the knee joints in the form of subchondral osteosclerosis and bone growths along the edges of the articular surfaces. Conclusions. The results of this study establish the relationship between bone mineral density and X-ray manifestations of arthrosis of the knee joints in the form of subchondral osteosclerosis and marginal bone growth.