Association of Sarcopenia with Pain and Disability in Hand Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional, Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Sarcopenia is known to worsen clinical outcomes in osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints, yet its relationship with symptom burden in hand osteoarthritis has not been well established. This study explored the relationship between sarcopenia, hand pain, and functional status in patients with hand osteoarthritis.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1139 patients aged ≥40 years with radiographically confirmed hand osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia was defined as the ratio of muscle mass to body mass index, measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hand pain and function were assessed using the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Sex-specific multivariable linear regression models were constructed, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle covariates.

Results: In males, lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass/body mass index was significantly associated with higher DASH scores (estimate: −10.664, P = .006). A significant association with higher Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index scores was also observed (estimate: −26.236, P = .030). Lower upper-extremity muscle mass/body mass index was likewise associated with higher DASH scores in males (estimate: −41.074, P = .013). In females, none of the associations reached statistical significance.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that sarcopenia contributes to increased pain and disability in hand osteoarthritis, highlighting the clinical importance of preserving muscle mass in its management.

Cite this article as: Lee H, Lee S-I, Cheon Y-H, et al. Association of sarcopenia with pain and disability in hand osteoarthritis: a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study. Arch Rheumatol. 2025;40(4):492-498.