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Review
. 2018 Mar;30(2):160-167.
doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000479.

Epidemiology of osteoarthritis: literature update

Ernest R Vina  1   2 , C Kent Kwoh  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Epidemiology of osteoarthritis: literature update

Ernest R Vina et al. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight recent studies of osteoarthritis epidemiology, including research on prevalence, disease impact, and potential risk factors.

Recent findings: Osteoarthritis is highly prevalent in the United States and around the globe. It is a leading cause of disability and can negatively impact people's physical and mental well being. Healthcare resources and costs associated with managing the disease can be substantial. There is increasing evidence that there are different osteoarthritis phenotypes that reflect different mechanisms of the disease. Various person-level risk factors are recognized, including sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. female sex, African-American race), genetic predispositions, obesity, diet-related factors, and high bone density/mass. Joint-level risk factors include specific bone/joint shapes, thigh flexor muscle weakness, joint malalignment, participation in certain occupational/sports activities, and joint injury. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of preradiographic lesions associated with osteoarthritis.

Summary: Application of these new findings may allow us to develop innovative strategies and novel therapies with the purpose of preventing new disease onset and minimizing disease progression.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest

Neither of the authors declares any potential conflicts of interest in regard to this manuscript. Potential conflicts outside of this work: CKK has received grants from Abbvie and EMD Serono and consulted for Astellas, EMD Serono, Thusane, Express Scripts and Novartis. EV has consulted for Astra Zeneca.

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