Pathophysiological Perspective of Osteoarthritis

Translation of clinical problems in osteoarthritis into pathophysiological research goals

Osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for more disability among the elderly than any other disease and is associated with an increased mortality rate. The prevalence in Europe will rise in the future since this continent has a strongly ageing population and an obesity epidemic; obesity and age both being major risk factors for OA. No adequate therapeutic options, besides joint replacement, are available...

The sources of pain in osteoarthritis: a pathophysiological review.

The pain of osteoarthritis (OA) has multifaceted etiologies within and outside the joint. It is believed to be driven by both nociceptive and neuropathic mechanisms, as well as abnormal excitability in the pain pathways of the peripheral and central nervous system. Inflammation in the joint triggers a cascade of events that leads to peripheral sensitization, increased sensitivity of nociceptive...

Skeletal evidence of osteoarthritis: a palaeopathological perspective.

Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of joint pathology, and it has an extensive history. Indeed, it has been observed in a variety of fossil animals, and has been reported in the fossil remains of dinosaurs.' Among preindustrial human groups, as documented by skeletal remains, osteoarthritic changes are quite frequently the most common pathological lesion...

Biomarkers in osteoarthritis: a clinical trials perspective

Neuropathic pain in osteoarthritis: a review of pathophysiological mechanisms and implications for treatment.

OBJECTIVES Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and functional disability worldwide, affecting a growing number of individuals in the western society. Despite various conservative and interventional treatment approaches, the overall management of the condition is problematic, and pain-the major clinical problem of the disease-remains sub-optimally controlled. The obj...