(1) Osteoarthritis and its management

摘要

Osteoarthritis is a predominantly non-inflamatory abnormality of the synovial joints which is characterised by cartilage loss and an accompanyingbone response. It occurs most commonly in the hands, knees, spine and hips. The symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, limitation of movement and swelling. Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, is more common in women than men and, overall, affects 2.5 per cent of the population. This percentage increases with advancing age such that osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint condition in individuals aged over 65, where it affects approximately 12 per cent of the population. For this reason, osteoarthritixs is the single most important rheumatological cause of disability and it poses a significant challenge to health care. In this article, the pathogenesis, clinical presentationa nd management of osteoarthritis are reviewed.