Etiologic factors in finger osteoarthritis.

Etiological factors in finger osteoarthritis are both local (single injury or repetitive joint use) and general. Epidemiological studies, twin studies, and studies of the ethnic influence have established that genetic factors play a role. The disease is more common in postmenopausal women, suggesting an influence of hormonal factors. Findings from studies of associations between finger osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis at other sites (spine, hips, knees), hyperostosis, and obesity, as well as the fact that the disease is less common in patients with osteoporosis and absent in hemiplegia, suggest that the concept of "osteoarthritic disease" is relevant.