Abstract: Objective To explore the factors related with the quality of life in the elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods 92elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis were tested with short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36), visual analogue pain scale (VAS), 5times' movement of sit-to-stand, 10 m walking speed, 3 m timed-up and walking test. At the same time, the radiological grades of knees andthe total amount of chronic diseases were collected. Results The VAS of knee pain, the course of knee osteoarthritis, the total amount ofchronic diseases and 10-m walking speed were related with SF-36 score (P<0.01). Conclusion Knee pain, course of knee osteoarthritis, totalamount of chronic diseases and walking ability are related with the quality of life in the elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis, especiallyfor knee pain.

Key words: elderly, knee, osteoarthritis, quality of life