Relationship of vitamin D levels, bone mineral density, and primary knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are the two predominant skeletal diseases linked to aging. The relationship between knee osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and vitamin D insufficiency is not yet well comprehended and continues to be a topic of debate. This cross-sectional study examined the association between the functional, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of primary knee osteoarthritis and both bone mineral density and serum vitamin D levels in postmenopausal women.


Results
There was a significant correlation between vitamin D levels and the knee osteoarthritis flare-up score (KOFUS) score (p = 0.005). A substantial association was found between bone mineral density as reflected by the T score and knee osteoarthritis flare-up score, WOMAC score, and Kellgren and Lawrence scores: p = 0.014, p < 0.05, and 0.001, respectively. A significant association was observed between bone mineral density (BMD) and the five-times sit-to-stand and 10-m walk speed tests.


Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency has a significant impact on knee osteoarthritis severity and activity in postmenopausal women. A significant correlation exists between osteoporosis and flare-ups of knee osteoarthritis, along with both clinical and radiographic severity and functional status in postmenopausal women.