Database contents

During the course of the Study, we have developed an extensive database covering both baseline variables, and 15 years of repeat assessments for a number of variables, and additional assessments.

1. Xrays
Spine: Lateral lumbar and thoracic spine radiographs from baseline, year 3 and year 9 scored for vertebral fractures using the algorithm developed by Eugene McCloskey, Sheffield University. Assessment of osteopenia, and spinal osteophytes, disc space narrowing and aortic calcification on all women also recorded at both timepoints.
Knees: Weightbearing AP and skyline views graded for osteoarthritis using Kellgren & Lawrence, and individual features of osteophytes and joint space narrowing, and continuous measurement of joint space by magnified reticule. Available at baseline, year 3, year 5, year 10 and currently being collected at year 15.
Pelvis: Films graded for hip joint osteophytes, joint space, and other features including singh index at baseline, year 4 and year 9.
Hands: Graded for Kellgren & Lawrence, individual features of OA at baseline and year 3, and year 11.
Feet: Films taken at year 6 and graded for MTP osteophytes and narrowing and angle of hallux valgus.

2. DXA
Annual DXA scan of lumbar spine and hip using Hologic QDR 1000/2000 and calculated bone loss on all women, years 1 -10, whole body DXA at year 8 and year 9.
Central fat analysis from DXA available on all women at year 9 and year 15.

3. MRI
Sagittal, coronal T1, FOV 15, Long TE STIR & axial MRI sequences of the knee in 100 knee OA progressors and 100 non-progressors.

4. Fractures/Falls
Detailed fracture history on prevalent and incident fractures.
Six month fracture questionnaire completed for years 8-15 by telephone. All prevalent and incident fractures validated with hospital and GP records.
Detailed questionnaire on falls and non-accidental fracture years 6-15.
Computerised measurement of postural instability using a Balance Performance Monitor.

5. Examination
Annual anthropomorphic measures (weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, quads measurements, body circumference measures using standardised techniques).
Clinical examination of signs of osteoarthritis of the hands and knees, and detailed symptom questionnaires.

6. Medical History
Annual detailed medical and social history, gynaecological variables, drug, surgical, major illnesses, and family history.

7. Biological Samples
Annual stored serum and urine on each subject up to 2.5ml in 5ml containers stored at -20°C (years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 15).
DNA extracted on all women and stored at 3 timepoints (>200µg).
Blood glucose, serum cholesterol, HDL, uric acid, serum calcium and routine biochemistry at years 3, 6, 9.
C-reactive protein, E2,SHBG,DHEAS, IGGs, rheumatoid factor at baseline.
Collagen cross-links (CTX-I & CTX-II) (markers of bone and cartilage).
Information (SNPs and microsatellites) on over 30 OA & OP candidate genes.

8. Other data
Standardised physical activity assessment from 20s and middle-age.
Life employment patterns and levels of activity related to occupation.
Repeat measures of standardised assessment of health status and disability (GHQ,SF36,HAQ).
Pain assessment.
Footwear assessment.
Questionnaire on alternative remedies.
Soft tissue injury questionnaires & assessment.
Social class.
Mobility.
GP records available for prescriptions, attendances and co-morbidity, etc.