ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis is a heterogeneous condition that varies according to the joints affected with regard to its prevalence, risk factors, clinical features and prognosis. It most commonly affects the knees, hips, spinal apophyseal joints and the hands. It is usually defined by the pathological or radiological appearance of the joints, rather than by the clinical features. People usually start to develop osteoarthritis between the ages of 45 and 55 years, and the prevalence of the condition increases with age. Drug therapies for osteoarthritis should be used with caution, as many sufferers have risk factors that affect the choice of medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are probably over-used. Diagnosis is made on the basis of the structural changes detected either clinically or by the X-ray appearance. There is often a discrepancy between the radiographic appearance and the symptoms.
