Table 1.
Endogenous and exogenous risk factors for KOA
| Endogenous | Exogenous |
|---|---|
| Age | Previous joint injuries |
| Incidence rates increase linearly in the 50–80 age range | |
| Sex | Body mass |
| Females have been reported to have a greater incidence rate compared to males |
Overweight and obese people are significantly associated with higher KOA risk The risk increases by 35% with every 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI |
| Heredity | Excessive joint stress and increased mechanical forces |
| Genetics | Repetitive loading (kneeling and squatting) |
| Joint laxity | Occupation |
| Physical work activities (kneeling/squatting/lifting and climbing) contribute to the occurrence/progression of KOA | |
| Ethnic origin | Resective joint surgery |
| More common in individuals of European descent | |
| Post-menopausal changes | Muscle weakness |
| Malalignment | Lifestyle factors (alcohol, tobacco use) |