Bone Abstracts

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most common and debilitating degenerative arthropathy. Prevention and patient education are part of the international recommendations. A survey was realized with 43 medical specialists at the Hospital University of Casablanca, about their point of views on the role of therapeutic education for patients with osteoarthritis of the lower limb. Doctors justified the importance of patient education.

Study purpose: Evaluate of the degree knowledge patients about osteoarthritis in order to establish a learning process and improve their care.

Materials and methods: Survey conducted with 53 patients followed in rheumatology consultation for osteoarthritis. It includes four items. Each one contains an open or a simple choice questionnaires.

Results: Among patients, 83% were female. The mean age was 65 years old. About 45.71% are treated for osteoarthritis. Its origin was overweight for 45.7% cases. The sport can be implicated for 74.3%. Duty diet is true for 74.3%. About 42.8% had no idea about the link between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and 34.3% with menopause. For 85.7% patients, the osteoarthritis progression is worsening whatever treatment. The pain is associated with osteoarthritis for 88.6% of cases. It is a source of aggravation for 85.7%. It requires a blood test for 54.28%, and necessity X-rays for 85.7%. Osteoarthritis is objectively better by Computer Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging to 74.28%. About 71.4% believed that it is now possible to cure osteoarthriti. 62.8% of patients are using symptomatic treatment for pain. To treat joint, 40% use anti-arthritic, 10 cases local treatment. About 62.85% find no interest to use a cane.

Discussion and conclusion: Our results are consistent with expert opinion. Many data were ignored by patients. While some patients were able to correctly answer questions, others do not know. The osteoarthritis therapeutic patients should be an integral part of our practice, joint savings, and well being of the patient’s autonomy.