Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
ISSN: 2161-1149 (Printed)
Karmela Filipovic
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology & Orthopedics
Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis is the most frequent degenerative disease of peripheral joints, and the most important symptom is a knee pain. There is a strong correlation between values of the body mass index (BMI) and the severity of the disease in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Aim: To establish correlation between the BMI and the severity of knee osteoarthritis. Material and methods: The analysis encompassed 100 patients, both genders, with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis. All patients had knee pain, and pain intensity was evaluated using the WOMAC questionnaire (pain scale). Every patient was subjected to radiological examination of the knee in standing position. Based on radiological findings, patients were classified into 4 groups (Kellgren Lawrence score, KL, 1-4) Results: In both genders, BMI value was significantly higher in those patients with more severe radiological presentation of knee osteoarthritis, i.e. with worse Kellgren Lawrence score (KL 4, p<0,01). Correlation was also noted between values of BMI and WOMAC score (pain scale), p<0,01. Conclusion: The connection was found between BMI values and clinical and radiological indices of knee osteoarthritis severity.
Karmela Filipovic graduated at Faculty of Medicine in 1999. She completed specialist studies in physical medicine and rehabilitation in 2006, got her Master degree in 2009 and is currently at doctoral studies in the field of Clinical Medicine. Since 2004, she has worked at the Faculty of Medicine as an assistant professor at the Department of Medical Rehabilitation and teaches medical students, health care students, special education/ rehabilitation students and physiotherapy students. Since 2001, she has been employed in the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Novi Sad, as a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is certified in ultrasound diagnostic of musculoskeletal system and is practicing it daily. She has participated in numerous national and international congresses of physical therapy and rheumatology and has published a number of papers