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DOI: 10.1055/a-2048-8782
Prevalence and distribution of ultrasound-detected hand synovial abnormalities in a middle-aged and older population
Prävalenz und Verteilung sonografisch nachgewiesener synovialer Anomalien der Hand in einer Bevölkerung mittleren und höheren Alters Supported by: National Natural Science Foundation of China 81902264, 81902265, 81930071, 82072502, U21A20352Supported by: Project Program of National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital) 2020LNJJ03
Supported by: Science and Technology Program of Hunan Province 2019RS2010

Abstract
Objective Synovial abnormalities are modifiable targets for hand pain and osteoarthritis. We examined the prevalence and distribution of ultrasound-detected hand synovial abnormalities in a community-derived sample of older people in China.
Methods Within the Xiangya Osteoarthritis Study, a community-based study, we assessed synovial hypertrophy (SH), joint effusion, and Power Doppler signal (PDS) on all fingers and thumbs of both hands using standardized ultrasound examinations (score: 0–3). We assessed distribution patterns of SH and effusion using χ2-test and interrelationships of SH and effusion in different joints and hands by generalized estimating equations.
Results Among 3,623 participants (mean age: 64.4 years; women: 58.1%), prevalence of SH, effusion and PDS were 85.5%, 87.3% and 1.5%, respectively. Prevalence of SH, effusion and PDS increased with age, was higher in the right hand than in the left hand and was more common in proximal than in distal hand joints. SH and effusion often occurred in multiple joints (P < 0.001). SH in one joint was strongly associated with presence of SH in the same joint of the opposite hand (odds ratio [OR]= 6.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.19–7.03) followed by SH in other joints in the same row, (OR=5.70, 95%CI: 5.32–6.11), and then other joints in the same ray of the same hand (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.39–1.60). Similar patterns were observed for effusion.
Conclusion Hand synovial abnormalities are common among older people, often affect multiple hand joints and present a unique pattern. These findings suggest both systemic and mechanical factors play roles in their occurrence.
Zusammenfassung
Ziel Synoviale Anomalien sind modifizierbare Ursachen für Handschmerzen und Osteoarthritis. Wir untersuchten die Prävalenz und die Verteilung der sonografisch nachgewiesenen synovialen Anomalien der Hand aus der Bevölkerung stammenden Stichprobe älterer Menschen in China.
Methoden In einer community-basierten Studie haben wir synoviale Hypertrophie (SH), Gelenkerguss und Power-Doppler-Signal (PDS) für alle Fingern und Daumen beider Hände mit standardisierten Ultraschalluntersuchungen (Score: 0–3) untersucht. Wir bewerteten die Verteilungsmuster von SH und Erguss mit dem χ2-Test und die Relationen von SH und Erguss in unterschiedlichen Gelenken und Händen mittels generalisierter Schätzgleichungen.
Ergebnisse Unter 3.623 Teilnehmern (Durchschnittsalter: 64,4 Jahre; Frauen: 58,1%) betrug die Prävalenz von SH 85,5 %, von Erguss 87,3 % und von PDS 1,5 %. Die Prävalenz von SH, Erguss und PDS nahm mit dem Alter zu, war in der rechten Hand höher als in der linken Hand und trat häufiger in proximalen als distalen Handgelenken auf. SH und Erguss traten häufig in mehreren Gelenken auf (p < 0,001). SH in einem Gelenk war stark assoziiert mit dem Vorhandensein von SH im gleichen Gelenk der anderen Hand (Odds Ratio [OR]= 6,60; 95% Konfidenzintervall [CI]: 6,19–7,03), gefolgt von SH in anderen Gelenken derselben Reihe (OR=5,70; 95% CI: 5,32–6,11) sowie in anderen Gelenken im selben Strahl derselben Hand (OR=1,49; 95% CI: 1,39–1,60). Ähnliche Muster wurden für Ergüsse beobachtet.
Schlussfolgerung Synoviale Anomalien der Hand sind bei älteren Menschen häufig, betreffen oft mehrere Handgelenke und weisen ein einzigartiges Muster auf. Diese Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass sowohl systemische als auch mechanische Faktoren bei ihrem Auftreten eine Rolle spielen.
Publication History
Received: 29 June 2022
Accepted after revision: 07 March 2023
Accepted Manuscript online:
07 March 2023
Article published online:
03 May 2023
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