title: Viscosupplementation for treating osteoarthritis in the military population.
abstract: Military personnel have a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) than the general population. OA is a chronic, painful, and debilitating disease with a high cost burden. Compared with the general population, a higher prevalence of post-traumatic OA has been reported in the military. Using recent literature, we aim to improve the understanding of post-traumatic OA, with an exploration of the pathophysiology of OA. Our review encompasses the current treatment modalities for alleviating the pain from OA with a focus on viscosupplementation. A multimodal approach may be beneficial for the relief of OA pain and improvement of function in military personnel with early OA, and may lower the cost burden.
authors.affiliation: Southcoast Health Systems, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Langworthy
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Henry Ford Hospital, 3389 Paseo Halcon, San Clemente, CA 92672-3525.
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.affiliation: USUHS, John A. Feagin Sports Medicine Fellowship, Keller Army Hospital, 900 Washington Road, West Point, NY 10996-1197.
authors.forename: Brett D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Owens
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States; D055676:Viscosupplementation; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D055675:Viscosupplements