Epidemiology of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Evolving definitions of osteoarthritis and improvements in risk factor measurement that use advanced imaging, systemic and local biomarkers, and improved methods for measuring symptoms and their impact can help elucidate mechanisms and identify potential areas for intervention or prevention.

Figures

Fig. 1

Incidence of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee in members of the Fallon Community Health Plan, 1991–1992, by age and sex. (From Oliveria SA, Felson DT, Reed JI, et al. Incidence of symptomatic hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis among patients in a health maintenance organization. Arthritis Rheum 1995;38:1139; with permission.)

Fig. 2

Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis with putative risk factors. (From Felson DT, Lawrence RC, Dieppe PA, et al. Osteoarthritis: new insights. Part 1: the disease and its risk factors. Ann Intern Med 2000;133:637; with permission.)