Health-related quality of life with vertebral fracture, lumbar spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis in Japanese men: the ROAD study

Abstract

SummaryThis study examined associations of VFx, lumbar spondylosis and knee OA with QOL in 767 men over 40years old from the ROAD
study (mean, 69.7years.). Multiple regression analysis showed VFx and knee OA as significantly associated with lower PCS
scores, but lumbar spondylosis was not.

PurposeLittle data have been accumulated regarding associations of vertebral fracture (VFx), lumbar spondylosis and knee osteoarthritis
(OA) with quality of life (QOL) in men. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the impact of these diseases on QOL
parameters such as the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 8 (SF-8) and the EuroQOL (EQ-5D). In addition, to provide greater
insight into the magnitude of QOL loss, a comparison was made with cerebral stroke.

MethodsFrom the 3,040 participants in the ROAD study, this study analyzed 767 men over 40years who had completed the questionnaires
(mean, 69.7years.). Vertebral fracture was assessed by lateral radiography of the lumbar spine. Lumbar spondylosis and knee
OA were defined as Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥3. Cerebral stroke was assessed by self-report.

ResultsMultiple regression analysis after adjustments for age, body mass index and presence of the above four diseases showed VFx
was significantly associated with lower scores in physical function (PF), role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP) and vitality
(VT) domains as well as physical component summary (PCS). Knee OA were significantly associated with lower scores in PF, RP,
BP and PCS scores. Lumbar spondylosis was not associated with any domains of the SF-8. Lumbar spondylosis and knee OA were
significantly associated with EQ-5D utility scores, but VFx was not. The impact for VFx on BP, VT and PCS scores was larger
than cerebral stroke.

ConclusionsThis study revealed that VFx and knee OA impaired physical QOL in men, rather than lumbar spondylosis.

KeywordsQuality of life–Vertebral fracture–Lumbar spondylosis–Knee osteoarthritis–Men