Annual incidence rates (IRs) of hip symptoms were highest for those with hip injury, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed baseline (1991 to 1997) and first follow-up (1999 to 2003) data from the Johnston County Osteoporosis Project, a population-based study of 1,446 adults aged ≥45 years in North Carolina. The study took into account sociodemographics, which included age, gender, race, highest level of education, and annual household income. Hip osteoarthritis (OA) risk factors were self-reported body mass index (BMI) at age 18, clinically measured BMI at baseline, and history of hip injury. They found:

• IRs (median=5.5 years follow-up) were 37, 23, 13, and 2-9 per 1,000 person-years for hip symptoms, and radiographic, symptomatic, and severe radiographic hip OA, respectively.

• Low IRs of radiographic and symptomatic hip OA among African Americans.

• High IRs of hip symptoms among the obese and very poor.

• Interventions for hip OA and hip symptoms are imperative for those with hip injuries.

Citation: Moss AS, Murphy LB, Helmick CG, Schwartz TA, et al. Annual incidence rates of hip symptoms and three hip OA outcomes from a US population-based cohort study: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. [Published online ahead of print April 21, 2016]. Osteoarthr Cartilage. doi:10.1016.04.012.