Primary generalized osteoarthritis and bone mass.

The association of OA with increased bone mass is controversial. This study measured BMD at the hip and spine and total body bone mineral (TBBM) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and BMD at the distal forearm by single photon absorptiometry in 20 post-menopausal women with primary generalized OA. The data were compared with those from 89 normal controls. Osteoarthritic women had significantly increased BMD at the spine (P < 0.001), distal forearm (P < 0.05) and increased TBBM (P < 0.01), but no difference was seen at the femoral neck. These differences were not explained by obesity. The influence of mobility is discussed.