Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a major cause of morbidity and disability as well as a burden on health-care resources, especially for the elderly. There have been advances in our understanding of this condition. No longer is osteoarthritis regarded as a simple consequence of ageing and cartilage degeneration; indeed, the former diagnostic label of degenerative joint disease is now recognised to be a misnomer. Rather, the pathological changes of osteoarthritis are seen as the result of active processes, many of which may be reparative rather than destructive in nature. In addition, osteoarthritis may not be a single disorder, but rather a group of overlapping distinct diseases. Risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical features and outcome vary from site to site, leading to the suggestion of osteoarthritic disorders as a more appropriate label. 1 Kuettner K Goldberg VM Osteoarthritic disorders. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont1995 Google Scholar While aiming to be comprehensive, we will stress those areas in which most recent advances have been made.