Osteoarthritis in Young Population - Clinical and Pathological Attributes

Aims and Objectives: 1. To identify the causes of osteoarthritis in young population. 2. To describe clinical presentation and laboratory findings. 3. Highlight the differences between osteoarthritis in young and older population. 4. Compare the observed findings with published literature. Results: A total of 30 cases of Osteoarthritis in Young Patients (15-50 years) was studied and reveals the following causes. Genu Varus 8 (26.7%). Genu Valgus 3 (10%) Obesity 4 (13.3%) Trauma 3 (10%) Coxa Vara 10 (33.3%) Coxa Valgus 1 (3.3%) Alcoholic 1 (3.3%). Regards to clinical presentation pain is most common symptom (100%) followed by difficulty walking (50%) restriction of movements (43%). Duration of Arthritis and its clinical features varied from 1 year (Genu Varus) to 9 years (Obesity). Regards to sex, males (76.6%) are affected more than females (23.4%). Regards to Age, minimum age at onset of Arthritis is 28 years (trauma) to maximum of 50 years (Genu Varum). Inflammatory Markers (ESR is within normal limits and CRP is negative in all patients) suggesting the degenerative nature of disease and ruling out infectious/inflammatory process. Biopsy is not advised in any one of the patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis in the age group of 15-50 years are selected and studied during period of one year (1-6-2024 to 1-6-2025). Characteristics included in the proforma are age, sex possible cause, duration, clinical presentation (sign/symptom), site/joint involved, imaging finding, laboratory features such as CBP, CRP, ESR including biopsy changes. The descriptive findings are mentioned. Discussion: Osteoarthritis in young generation is a hidden and masked entity which need to be detected at earliest stage to prevent progressive joint disease. Identification of the underlying causes and the avoidance /treatment can slow or prevent the condition. The clinical presentation and pathological features can vary in contrast to adult variant. The pathogenesis depends upon the underlying cause and prognosis is related to the severity of the underlying condition. Conclusion: In the present study various risk factors for osteoarthritis has been identified. These modifiable conditions can be treated earlier or avoided by proper interventions to prevent or slow the joint damage and progressive disease.