title: The measurement of joint mechanics and their role in osteoarthritis genesis and progression.
abstract: Mechanics play a role in the initiation, progression, and successful treatment of osteoarthritis. However, we don't yet know enough about which specific mechanical parameters are most important and what their impact is on the disease process to make comprehensive statements about how mechanics should be modified to prevent, slow, or arrest the disease process. The objectives of this review are (1) to summarize methods for assessing joint mechanics and their relative merits and limitations, (2) to describe current evidence for the role of mechanics in osteoarthritis initiation and progression, and (3) to describe some current treatment approaches that focus on modifying joint mechanics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, UBC Orthopaedics, Room 3114, 910 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E3 Canada. dawilson@interchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Emily J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: McWalter
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology