Abstract

Three hundred and sixty-four female specialist teachers of physical education who qualified between 1935 and 1950 agreed to have x-rays of the lumbar spine,hips and knees. Fifty-two had osteoarthrosis of the hip, 65 osteoarthrosis of the knee and 221 degenerative change in the spine. Overall osteoarthrosis of the knee was significantly less common than in a comparable sample from the general population, severe or moderate osteoarthosis being equally common in both groups but minor or minimal osteoarthrosis being much less common in the teachers. Radiological changes were not related to height but there was a slight association with increased weight. Family history was often contributory and nine subjects had had a meniscectomy which probably contributed to osteoarthrosis of the knee. Joint laxity may produce osteoarthrosis and subjects scored their own laxity status with two simple scoring systems. Overall joint laxity did not correlate with degenerative change in the spine. There was a slight association of laxity with OA of the hip and knee but this did not reach significant levels. Regular physical exercise may protect from osteoarthrosis in lax joints by producing stability through increased musculartone. Verf.-Referat