Multivariate analysis of newly diagnosed hip, knee, and combined hip and knee Osteoarthritis and recurrent fall risk: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent joint disease, is associated with impaired mobility and may contribute to fall risk in older adults. Recurrent falls (≥two falls/year) are of particular concern due to their impact on morbidity and independence. This study is the first to examine whether individuals with early hip and/or knee OA are at increased risk of recurrent falls within 12 months of diagnosis and to identify biopsychosocial factors associated with fall risk. Methods: Data were derived from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a retrospective cohort of 4,427 participants stratified into four groups: individuals without OA, with knee OA, with hip OA, and with combined hip and knee OA. Self-reported recurrent falls within 12 months post-diagnosis were analyzed. Correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictive factors and interactions. Results: The presence of OA alone was not independently associated with recurrent falls in short term. However, multivariable logistic regression identified several factors associated with recurrent falls. There was a trend toward increased odds among participants with hip OA ( Conclusions: While Osteoarthritis itself does not directly predict recurrent falls in short term, its risk in individuals with OA is shaped by a multifactorial interplay of age, marital status, ethnicity, physical functioning, and depressive symptoms, with specific interactions involving OA location. Therefore, a differentiated assessment and multidisciplinary approach addressing these factors are essential to reduce recurrent falls in this population.