Atlas of Osteoarthritis

Book excerpt: This Atlas provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the historical and current perspectives on osteoarthritis, including the pathophysiology and epidemiology of the disease. Written by leading authors in the field of osteoarthritis, the book discusses classification, etiology and risk factors for osteoarthritis, the disease course and determinants of osteoarthritis progression, clinical features and diagnosis as well as imaging methods to assess joint damage. The Atlas of Osteoarthritis concludes with the latest treatment updates including both nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments, as well as surgical recommendations for patients with the disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease causing joint pain, stiffness, and physical disability among adults. It is an important issue for both the individual and society with its impact on public health continuing to grow as a result of the aging population, the rising prevalence of obesity, and the lack of definitive treatments to prevent or halt the progress of the disease.