The effect of long-term oestrogen treatment on the development of osteoarthrosis at the small hand joints.

The effect of long-term oestrogen treatment of at least 5 yr on the development of osteoarthrosis was studied in 48 postmenopausal women. Osteoarthrosis at the hand joints was graded according to Kellgren's criteria, using hand X-rays. Data obtained in a normal population of 155 women served as controls as well as data obtained in 24 postmenopausal women who didnot receive oestrogen replacement therapy. No significant difference in osteoarthrosis between the treated and non-treated groups was found. The development of osteoarthrosis at the hand joints seems to be independent of the hormonal status in postmenopausal women.