Dr. med. Ulrich Thiem
Duration: 1 January 2005 – 31 December 2006
Center: “Klinik für Altersmedizin und Frührehabilitation Ruhr-Universität Bochum” (Clinic for Geriatric Medicine and Early Rehabilitation at Ruhr University, Bochum), Marienhospital Herne (Director: Prof. Dr. Ludger Pientka)
Research project
A representative study on joint complaints and osteoarthrosis:
the “Herner Arthrosis Study” (HER-AS)
Introduction
International data indicate that joint complaints, with prevalence rates of around 15% to 25%, are among the most common symptoms found in the adult population. Osteoarthrosis is by far the most common cause of joint complaints among the over-65s, but
despite the far-reaching medical, psychosocial and health system consequences, there is still a lack of population-based data on osteoarthrosis in Germany.
Goals of HER-AS
The Herner Arthrosis Study has the following objectives:
1. To determine the prevalence (symptoms and illness) of joint complaints and hip and/or knee arthrosis in the population
2. To ascertain the impact of joint complaints and hip and/or knee arthrosis on mobility, activities in daily life, and on the quality of life
3. To describe the care, medical and otherwise, given to those affected, with a particular focus on the prescription of pharmaceuticals and determination of key health economic data for estimating expenditure in terms of costs and resources.
Study design
The Herner Arthrosis Study is a multi-part longitudinal and cross-sectional study.
In the survey part of the study, 8,000 citizens of Herne aged over 40 will respond to a
postal questionnaire on frequency, type and extent of their joint complaints.
Participants whose responses indicate that they suffer from hip and/or knee complaints
will be invited to undergo a clinical evaluation free of charge. Following the evaluation, these individuals
will be invited to participate in the longitudinal part of the study,
which will consist of a second postal survey
and another clinical examination to be carried out within a period of three years.
The data collected in the survey part of the study will include the following:
- demographic data
- current joint complaints and related risk factors
- intensity, duration, and localization of pain
- WOMAC Osteoarthrosis Index
- medical care, including medication
- concomitant disorders
- daily life activities
- quality of life
The clinical evaluation will include the following elements:
- anamnesis, including pain anamnesis
- details of medical care, including medication
- details of concomitant disorders
- clinical examination with a particular focus on the locomotor system
- mobility tests (e.g., timed up-and-go test, Tinetti test, measurement of walking speed)
- blood samples
- X-ray of the most painful joint (hip or knee joint)
Conclusion
The Herner Arthrosis Study (HER-AS) will compile the first population-based data for Germany on joint complaints and hip and/or knee arthrosis. On the basis of these data, it will be possible to realistically assess the consequences of these disorders for those affected. HER-AS will also help identify the healthcare resources used to care for people suffering from these complaints and to pinpoint shortfalls in care.