It is a chronic degenerative disease that results in the progressive destruction of cartilage in the joints, also known as osteoarthritis. Nearly 100% of people over the age of 65 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, although many have no symptoms.
The exact cause is unknown, although some risk or contributing factors have been described: obesity, repetitive, heavy physical activity, and dietary and genetic factors.
Joint pain is the main symptom and may be accompanied by stiffness and limited movement.
Diagnosis is based on the patient's clinical history and physical examination. In most cases, imaging tests (X-ray, CT-scan or MRI) are used to complete the examination.
The aim of treatment is to relieve pain, improve function and delay disease progression. Treatment includes the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy, as well as preventing progression of the disease by improving risk factors and protecting the joint from repeated use or overuse.
- National Institute for Health Care and Excellence. Osteoarthritis: care and management in adults. NICE, 2014. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg177 (Accessed on April 15, 2015).
- Jordan KM. EULAR Recommendations 2003: an evidence based approach to the management of knee osteoarthritis: Report of a Task Force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2003; 62:1145.
- Zhang W. EULAR evidence based recommendations for the management of hip osteoarthritis: report of a task force of the EULAR Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 64:669.
- Hochberg MC. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2012; 64:465.
- David T. Felson. Osteoartritis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 2226:2232.
