Highlight
– A pooled analysis of 131 longitudinal studies identified prior knee injury (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.41–5.05), older age (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.00–1.33) and high bone mineral density (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.12–2.94) as significant predictors of incident radiographic knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
– Overweight/obesity and prior knee injury together accounted for an estimated 14% of incident radiographic KOA, indicating meaningful but partial preventable burden.
– Occupational physical activity and other modifiable exposures contribute to KOA risk; life-course prevention strategies—weight management, injury prevention, and workplace ergonomics—are priorities.
