Factors Affecting Cartilage Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA), a debilitating joint disorder, is characterized by progressive cartilage degradation in the knee. Identifying key factors influencing osteoarthritis (OA) development is crucial for early intervention and personalized treatment strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the influence of age, body mass index (BMI), and cartilage thickness on osteoarthritis (OA) development. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search using EndNote software and keywords like cartilage, knee, age, body mass index (BMI), and morphology yielded 22 relevant articles. Data on age groups, body mass index (BMI), and cartilage thickness were extracted and analyzed using Open MEE (Meta-analysis for ecology and evolutionary biology) software for meta-analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed a positive correlation between age, body mass index (BMI), and cartilage thickness (morphology) with osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Notably, body mass index (BMI) emerged as the most significant contributor to osteoarthritis (OA), followed by age and morphological features. Conclusion: This study confirms the positive association of age, body mass index (BMI), and cartilage thickness with osteoarthritis (OA). Our findings highlight the critical role of body mass index (BMI) in osteoarthritis (OA) risk, potentially aiding healthcare professionals in early identification and personalized treatment strategies for patients at greater risk.