[Osteoarthritis--a major rheumatologic problem in internal medicine]

Degenerative affection of the locomotor apparatus is one of the major problems of rheumatology concerning above all internal medicine. The locomotor apparatus in particular its functionally important components, joints and the spine, undergo in the course of aging and due to endogenous and exogenous factors degenerative changes of a varying extent. From the pathogenetic aspect the condition is multifactorial. Attention is devoted in particular to the articular milieu and its constituents which are responsible for the development of degenerative changes. The problem of osteoarthritis is urgent because of the ever rising incidence and its economic and social sequelae. The authors discuss therapeutic difficulties and emphasize comprehensive care of patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The problem of osteoarthritis is of world-wide importance.