Epidemiological Aspects of Osteoarthritis

Abstract

An epidemiological approach can shed some light on several aspects of osteoarthritis (OA).

OA is an ubiquitous condition, with an age-linked prevalence, rising slowly until the age of SO and rapidly thereafter, especially in women. Its etiology is clearly multifactorial, the main factors being ageing, mechanical stress hereditary and/or constitutional factors, and inflammation.

Structural and physical features of cartilage alter with age. These alterations are underlaid by biochemical changes. Mechanical stress is sometimes acute but most often long-standing.

Familial or constitutional factors, or the possible triggering role of inflammation, are particularly well documented in certain subsets of OA.

Finally, the possibility of an underlying metabolic disturbance remains a stimulating, though yet un-proven, prospect.

Key Words:

• Osteoarthritis
• epidemiology