Comparison of knee articular cartilage thickness across sex and age groups in healthy adults.

Abstract

Cartilage thickness could be a significant biomarker for the early identification of knee osteoarthritis. However, reference data on cartilage thickness across various age groups are still lacking. Consequently, this study aims to establish reference values for cartilage thickness while examining differences related to sex and age groups. The study included 232 participants. Bilateral measurements of knee articular cartilage thickness were conducted using ultrasound (US) at three anatomical sites: the lateral femoral condyle, medial femoral condyle and intercondylar area. Three readings were taken per site by an experienced radiologist with expertise in musculoskeletal US. The mean cartilage thickness was calculated, and comparisons were performed between sexes using independent samples <i>t</i>-tests and across various age groups (young, middle-aged, older adults and retirement age) using one-way analysis of variance. Male participants demonstrated significantly higher cartilage thickness than females across all examined locations, except the middle area of the right knee. Notable differences among age groups were seen in the right lateral (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and medial (<i>p</i> = 0.019) compartments, along with the left medial compartment (<i>p</i> = 0.008). Analysis of the male subgroups indicated that those in the retirement age category exhibited greater cartilage thickness in the right lateral and medial compartments, as well as the left medial compartment, compared to other age groups. Males showed greater cartilage thickness than females across most knee areas. Additionally, age-related variations in cartilage thickness were primarily observed in males, particularly in those of retirement age, while no significant age-related differences were detected in females. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and age when evaluating knee cartilage health using US. Level III.