How do sex and gender affect knee OA?

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee develops at a greater rate in women than in men as they age. In fact, says Mary I. O’Connor, MD, the incidence of knee OA is 1.7 times greater in women overall. Although multiple factors may contribute to this increased prevalence, it’s logical, she says, to consider the influence of hormones and estrogen in postmenopausal women.