title: Epidemiology and burden of osteoarthritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease involving the cartilage and many of its surrounding tissues. Disease progression is usually slow but can ultimately lead to joint failure with pain and disability. OA of the hips and knees tends to cause the greatest burden to the population as pain and stiffness in these large weight-bearing joints often leads to significant disability requiring surgical intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article reviews the existing data on epidemiology of osteoarthritis and the burden of the disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Symptoms and radiographic changes are poorly correlated in OA. Established risk factors include obesity, local trauma and occupation. The burden of OA is physical, psychological and socioeconomic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Available data does not allow definite conclusion regarding the roles of nutrition, smoking and sarcopenia as risk factors for developing OA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Variable methods of diagnosing osteoarthritis have significantly influenced the comparability of the available literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is required to fully understand how OA affects an individual physically and psychologically, and to determine their healthcare need.
authors: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit (University of Southampton), Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Litwic
authors: Mark H
authors: MH
authors: Edwards
authors: Elaine M
authors: EM
authors: Dennison
authors: Cyrus
authors: C
authors: Cooper
mesh_terms: D017281:Cost of Illness; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee; D012307:Risk Factors; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000150:complications; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors