Abstract:
Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease affecting the
cartilage and subchondral bone. Its incidence is increasing among young adults due to
obesity, mechanical overload, and genetic factors. Reevaluation of clinical manifestations,
early diagnosis, and tailored treatment are essential.
Objective(s). Evaluation of joint damage in deforming osteoarthritis in patients between
30–50 years old, analyzing clinical forms and the correlation between age, involved joints,
and severity of symptoms.
Materials and methods. Cross-sectional observational study including 55 patients with
deforming osteoarthritis. All underwent full clinical evaluation and paraclinical tests. Data
collected: history, joint exam, pain scores, imaging. The study group was divided as follows:
Group I: 30–45 years (23 pts, 42%); Group II: 45–50 years (32 pts, 58%).
Results. In Group I (30–45 years), localized forms predominated: rhizarthrosis (30%),
linked to repetitive hand activities; cervical spondylosis (26%), associated with poor
posture; and gonarthrosis (22%), frequently seen in overweight patients or those with
intense physical effort. In Group II (45–50 years), combined forms were more common, with
gonarthrosis (38%), lumbar spondyloarthrosis (28%), and nodal hand osteoarthritis (18%).
Polyarticular forms were present in 34%, indicating progression of joint involvement with
age. Common risk factors included overweight, occupational overuse, traumatic history, and
genetic predisposition.
Conclusion(s). The study results highlighted differences in deforming osteoarthritis across
age groups. Localized forms predominated at 30–45 years, while joint involvement
expanded at 45–50 years. The findings emphasize the importance of early diagnosis,
prevention, and personalized treatment.
