
Abstract
Objective The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to define the
“state of the art” on classification criteria for early knee
osteoarthritis (EKOA).
Methods A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of
Science, Scopus, EMBASE, PEDro, CINAHL and Google scholar databases. Two
independent reviewers conducted the eligibility review. Any type of study that
proposed diagnostic criteria of EKOA was included.
Results Seven articles were included according to the inclusion criteria.
The evidence presented in this SR shows that there is still no consensus
regarding definition and classification of EKOA. At present, there are seven
different proposals in the scientific literature, and they only agree on
including knee pain and radiographic evaluation in their criteria, but they do
not even consider the same situations for including these two factors.
Conclusion There is still no consensus regarding definition and
classification of EKOA. Knee pain and radiological assessment seem to be the
most commonly used criteria, but due to the variability encountered, it is not
possible to reach a consensus on a clear definition and diagnosis of EOKA.
Key words
diagnosis criteria - early osteoarthritis - knee osteoarthritis
Schlüsselwörter
Diagnosekriterien - Arthrose im Knie - Arthrose im Frühstadium