Is osteoarthritis a preventable disease?
Since most of the pathophysiological steps of the initiation of osteoarthritis are not understood, its prevention can only mean decreasing or abolishing its risk factors. Excess mechanical stresses certainly can be minimized by correcting developmental or acquired anatomical or functional defects, probably by decreasing occupational or sports hazards and perhaps by avoiding overweight. Effective control of chondrolytic/inflammatory episodes is a promising prospect. Opposing the effects of age remains a remote expectation.
Peyron
J G
JG
Centre de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de la Pitié, Paris, France.
D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors