OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE HAND AND WRIST IN THE POST POLIOMYELITIS POPULATION

People with a chronic motor disability of the legs become increasingly more dependent upon their upper limbs for mobility and self-care skills as they age. Many of them complain of hand and wrist pain. A cross-sectional study of 61 post-poliomyelitis survivors was done to determine the prevalence of osteoarthritis within this population and to determine any inherent risk factors. Each subject underwent a radiographic evaluation of both hands and wrist as well as a detailed physical examination. A questionnaire was used to ascertain a history of hand activity, use of canes/crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. The mean age of the population sample was 49 +/- 6 with a mean duration of disability of 35 +/- 4 years. The prevalence of moderate or severe osteoarthritis of either the hand or wrist was 13% whereas the was 68% when cases with mild arthritic changes were also included. The risk factors associated with hand and wrist osteoarthritis in this population included age, lower limb weakness, use of an assistive devices, and severity of disability.